I hope I'm not being too hard on Bevis in this episode, and I hope the rest of your day isn't too hard on all of you. Have a great day, everyone. We're walking through the classic Twilight Zone series and asking questions about life. If you're interested in joining us, we've got plenty of room for more in our community.
Henry Jones is a particular favorite of mine,his performance in “The Bad Seed” where he played Leroy, helped to make that a must see movie in our family.🍿
Hey Joe, excellent retrospective on one of the less classic episodes. I was looking forward to your thoughts on this one. I especially enjoyed your deep analysis on comedy and how it has been explored, not just here, but throughout the 5th dimension. I know this is not a popular one at all but I rewatched it a few months back and I don't know man, I hate to admit it but I didn't totally dislike it. 😂LOL, who knows, maybe I was in a forgiving mood that day? That said, it's totally lower tier TZ and it's not for everyone. All of your critiques here are on point. I totally hear you, this one has issues. I agree, Mr. Bevis is not a tragic figure and the episode skirts some serious issues regarding some of the harsher realities of life, all of which undermines any comedic intentions. Hey thanks so much for the shout and promo! I would love to hear your thoughts on 'Night Gallery' as well one day! Particularly with some of those segments being Serling's later work. All the best, have a nice weekend ahead!💯
Let's be honest: every one of us who loves the Twilight Zone has at least have one or two guilty pleasure episodes that seemingly everyone else hates. I love "Once Upon a Time" with Buster Keaton, and I had someone tell me that I have "no taste" because of that. 😆 Enjoy the weekend.
I found Mr. Bevis to be quite odd, not because of his eccentricities, but rather his willingness to remain homeless and jobless. He could have had the angel allow him to keep his way of life but with a new Rickenbacker, keep his job, and his apartment
Exactly! It doesn't really make sense. Then, he still gets help in the end anyway, and he even admits that he knows the guardian angel is still with him. So, what exactly has happened here? Completely agree.
Until a few years ago I thought the Rickenbacker wasn't a real car; the name sounded like an invention meant to reflect Mr. Bevis's whimsical personality. That's why I think of this as an episode that was meant to be comedic but failed because it didn't go far enough in dramatizing the ridiculous. The same theme of "to thine own self be true" comes up again in the episode "Cavender Is Coming" which heightens the comedy a bit but still has some of the same problems. I'm really looking forward to your analysis of that one, and all the others in between.
Huhuhuh.... Bevis. Ahem. I don't think it's a comedy episode, not by Homeric standards or Twain standards (comedy = tragedy + time). Much like "A Passage for Trumpet" or other Wonderful Life-esque episodes, I believe it's supposed to be introspective. If not towards viewers that share Bevis's eccentricities, towards viewers who might know and become sympathetic to a Mr Bevis in their lives. However... Bro charmed free fruit off a businessman and made kids perform a highly hazardous task while inhaling car fumes. Even when he gets a promotion, he just...leaves. Nuts to you, Marge - you can do his extra work, I guess! He might be kind and whimsical, but he has no idea how his eccentricities might actually harm people (and the episode doesn't seem to consider this either!). It's frustrating to see Bevis on both ends. Being tied down to adulting standards and put in a box feels horrible! But being a charismatic yet irresponsible slacker feels horrible too! There's no happy medium, and that makes this one horrible all over.
Some comedy episodes are good, including the episode that’s three episodes from now. Plus there are lots of comedic characters and moments. At least to me. But I have a dark sense of humor and sometimes I laugh at inappropriate times. As for whether this one is comedy. Well maybe not a comedy, but certainly a lot less dark than a lot of other episodes. Plus, Orson Bean is a comedian and Henry Jones… well I’ve always found him to be funny in the Ben Stein as an economics teacher way. So, there’s that.
@@RobAGabor I think Twilight Zone comedy is almost its own unique genre. There is a bit of a darker edge to it, I agree. I’m not familiar with Orson Bean’s other work-at least not off the top of my head, but I definitely don’t think his acting was in any way problematic-Henry Jones as well.
Yeah this episode isn't high on my list, but not every episode can be a banger. I wouldn't consider a comedy but an episode that's light-hearted in tone. Fortunately, the next episode is a lot better.
I have one unique connection with this show, I was born exactly 10 yrs later after its 1st Air Date. That's it! As a kid I found this episode boring and a waste. Get back to the Aliens, Ghosts and Strange stories with the great plot twists. I am in the camp that TZ does not do comedy well. Given that Rod took two swings at this premise and missed just leads me to believe this story had a very special meaning to Rod and he really wanted a weekly Sit-Com for him or someone else. Enough on that, as for the story I did not get is as a kid. I would skip it if I could. As an adult (30s and beyond) I began to see life and Mr. Bevis. Why be normal, why be like everyone else and get lost in the crowd. Now because its a show this is taken to the extreme but the core issue remains. Be yourself and dont let others make you or tell you what to be or how to act. I am not a go along to get along person. I do my own thing. I dont do things that harm or take away from others but, the things I do, if you dont like them then you can walk away. My mother and father both learned this by the time I was 15. Peer pressure did not bother me, I had a wide range to "Friends" in High School from various different clicks. I had a lot of shallow friendships but from many groups, Jocks, Nerds, Stoners, Rich, Poor, Teachers, Gang members. I got along with many but threatened no one. I see the Angel as a Family member trying to change someone into a person they are comfortable with instead of learning on how to be comfortable with them the way they are. You can use this to cover many types of Characters, Gay, Religious Zealot, Goth, Stoner, Surfer, Roughneck, Slacker, Political extremist, Cowboy etc... ?#1 - After listening to your episode 2 times I reflected on your points of how tragic Bevis is and how he does not do the "normal" or "acceptable" reaction to the basics of life (Home, Job, Money). I see and get your point but I find Bevis to be that type of guy that lives in 1 or all 3 of this mindsets. 1. Does not know how to live without stress or problems. How many stories have you read about $100 million Lottery winners that are broke 5 yrs later. They dont know how to live not being broke. 2. Not good enough to live with or like others. People with Anxiety or social issues on purpose do the unexpected to keep others away because they do not know how to deal with them. A self Destructive sometimes self harm mindset. 3. Dont know how to ask or accept help. Now the type of help I mean is the good help, not the help I talked about in my previous section. Get them a new car, the wreck it, you get them an Apt, they burn a hole in the carpet, you give them money for food, they go to the race track. I have met a lot of these types of people working with the Vet homeless shelter. Without the strict format of day to day service they have a very hard time functioning outside in the real world. ?#2 - Dislikeable to some yes, I would say more annoying and unreliable but, honest. I would rather deal with a honest slacker who talks too much then a Deceitful, Backstabbing, Rumor spreading, ass kisser that would take you lunch from the work fridge even though your name was clearly on the bag. I am talking to YOU LOIS! Once you I'd the type of person Bevis is you are able to work around him/her and sometimes use their personality to your benefit. Like invite him to party and then sick him on Lois for the night so she cant ass kiss the boss. My MoA - I guess it would have to be "what would I do if this happen to me" question. What would I change about myself? Cosmetic stuff? Dream Job? Rock Star lifestyle? Money, lots and lots of money? Or would I change things that benefited others more than myself. This episode made me think of all of the things that the world needs and how so many people dont know it or since it doesn't affect them they dont care. I lost a good Associate last month. He died in a car crash after suffering a Medical issue. His wife and 3 kids are devastated. I think what I would want is for everyone to get a sneak peak on how much they are loved and affect others so they would/could do what's needed to give them more time in this world. As always thank you for letting me vent. PhxDog
You know, there are two points that I really like that you bring up: 1) "People with Anxiety or social issues on purpose do the unexpected to keep others away because they do not know how to deal with them." This is actually a point that I wish I put in there--even just in passing. My focus looked mostly from an external point of view. But, if you think about it internally from his POV, and you dive into the fact that he is consciously aware of his eccentricities--and knows that they tend to work against him, it does open up a different way of viewing both him and the episode. I like it. 2) "I would say more annoying and unreliable but, honest. I would rather deal with a honest slacker who talks too much then a Deceitful, Backstabbing, Rumor spreading, ass kisser that would take you lunch from the work fridge even though your name was clearly on the bag." This is a good point as well. I used "charming" a lot in the episode, but another word--maybe even a better one--to describe Bevis is probably endearing. The truth is that WE are allowed to be more of ourselves around him than others. You're right; he is not going to sell you out. That's a fantastic point.
I hope I'm not being too hard on Bevis in this episode, and I hope the rest of your day isn't too hard on all of you. Have a great day, everyone.
We're walking through the classic Twilight Zone series and asking questions about life. If you're interested in joining us, we've got plenty of room for more in our community.
@@thekeyofimagination You bet,thanks for the invite 👍🏽
Henry Jones is a particular favorite of mine,his performance in “The Bad Seed” where he played Leroy, helped to make that a must see movie in our family.🍿
@@anitarichmond8930 I’ll have to check it out. Appreciate you taking the time.
@ it’s a classic
Hey Joe, excellent retrospective on one of the less classic episodes. I was looking forward to your thoughts on this one. I especially enjoyed your deep analysis on comedy and how it has been explored, not just here, but throughout the 5th dimension. I know this is not a popular one at all but I rewatched it a few months back and I don't know man, I hate to admit it but I didn't totally dislike it. 😂LOL, who knows, maybe I was in a forgiving mood that day? That said, it's totally lower tier TZ and it's not for everyone. All of your critiques here are on point. I totally hear you, this one has issues. I agree, Mr. Bevis is not a tragic figure and the episode skirts some serious issues regarding some of the harsher realities of life, all of which undermines any comedic intentions. Hey thanks so much for the shout and promo! I would love to hear your thoughts on 'Night Gallery' as well one day! Particularly with some of those segments being Serling's later work. All the best, have a nice weekend ahead!💯
Let's be honest: every one of us who loves the Twilight Zone has at least have one or two guilty pleasure episodes that seemingly everyone else hates. I love "Once Upon a Time" with Buster Keaton, and I had someone tell me that I have "no taste" because of that. 😆
Enjoy the weekend.
I found Mr. Bevis to be quite odd, not because of his eccentricities, but rather his willingness to remain homeless and jobless. He could have had the angel allow him to keep his way of life but with a new Rickenbacker, keep his job, and his apartment
Exactly! It doesn't really make sense. Then, he still gets help in the end anyway, and he even admits that he knows the guardian angel is still with him. So, what exactly has happened here? Completely agree.
Until a few years ago I thought the Rickenbacker wasn't a real car; the name sounded like an invention meant to reflect Mr. Bevis's whimsical personality. That's why I think of this as an episode that was meant to be comedic but failed because it didn't go far enough in dramatizing the ridiculous. The same theme of "to thine own self be true" comes up again in the episode "Cavender Is Coming" which heightens the comedy a bit but still has some of the same problems. I'm really looking forward to your analysis of that one, and all the others in between.
I agree. This episode brought me right to "Cavender is Coming" in the same way. I appreciate you taking the time and for the kind thoughts.
Huhuhuh.... Bevis.
Ahem.
I don't think it's a comedy episode, not by Homeric standards or Twain standards (comedy = tragedy + time). Much like "A Passage for Trumpet" or other Wonderful Life-esque episodes, I believe it's supposed to be introspective. If not towards viewers that share Bevis's eccentricities, towards viewers who might know and become sympathetic to a Mr Bevis in their lives. However...
Bro charmed free fruit off a businessman and made kids perform a highly hazardous task while inhaling car fumes. Even when he gets a promotion, he just...leaves. Nuts to you, Marge - you can do his extra work, I guess! He might be kind and whimsical, but he has no idea how his eccentricities might actually harm people (and the episode doesn't seem to consider this either!).
It's frustrating to see Bevis on both ends. Being tied down to adulting standards and put in a box feels horrible! But being a charismatic yet irresponsible slacker feels horrible too! There's no happy medium, and that makes this one horrible all over.
Some comedy episodes are good, including the episode that’s three episodes from now. Plus there are lots of comedic characters and moments. At least to me. But I have a dark sense of humor and sometimes I laugh at inappropriate times.
As for whether this one is comedy. Well maybe not a comedy, but certainly a lot less dark than a lot of other episodes. Plus, Orson Bean is a comedian and Henry Jones… well I’ve always found him to be funny in the Ben Stein as an economics teacher way. So, there’s that.
@@RobAGabor I think Twilight Zone comedy is almost its own unique genre. There is a bit of a darker edge to it, I agree.
I’m not familiar with Orson Bean’s other work-at least not off the top of my head, but I definitely don’t think his acting was in any way problematic-Henry Jones as well.
@@thekeyofimaginationI know Orson Bean mainly from Match Game. He was in the Male Comedian Seat a lot.
Yeah this episode isn't high on my list, but not every episode can be a banger. I wouldn't consider a comedy but an episode that's light-hearted in tone. Fortunately, the next episode is a lot better.
Agreed on all fronts.
I have one unique connection with this show, I was born exactly 10 yrs later after its 1st Air Date. That's it!
As a kid I found this episode boring and a waste. Get back to the Aliens, Ghosts and Strange stories with the great plot twists. I am in the camp that TZ does not do comedy well. Given that Rod took two swings at this premise and missed just leads me to believe this story had a very special meaning to Rod and he really wanted a weekly Sit-Com for him or someone else. Enough on that, as for the story I did not get is as a kid. I would skip it if I could. As an adult (30s and beyond) I began to see life and Mr. Bevis. Why be normal, why be like everyone else and get lost in the crowd. Now because its a show this is taken to the extreme but the core issue remains. Be yourself and dont let others make you or tell you what to be or how to act. I am not a go along to get along person. I do my own thing. I dont do things that harm or take away from others but, the things I do, if you dont like them then you can walk away. My mother and father both learned this by the time I was 15. Peer pressure did not bother me, I had a wide range to "Friends" in High School from various different clicks. I had a lot of shallow friendships but from many groups, Jocks, Nerds, Stoners, Rich, Poor, Teachers, Gang members. I got along with many but threatened no one. I see the Angel as a Family member trying to change someone into a person they are comfortable with instead of learning on how to be comfortable with them the way they are. You can use this to cover many types of Characters, Gay, Religious Zealot, Goth, Stoner, Surfer, Roughneck, Slacker, Political extremist, Cowboy etc...
?#1 - After listening to your episode 2 times I reflected on your points of how tragic Bevis is and how he does not do the "normal" or "acceptable" reaction to the basics of life (Home, Job, Money). I see and get your point but I find Bevis to be that type of guy that lives in 1 or all 3 of this mindsets. 1. Does not know how to live without stress or problems. How many stories have you read about $100 million Lottery winners that are broke 5 yrs later. They dont know how to live not being broke. 2. Not good enough to live with or like others. People with Anxiety or social issues on purpose do the unexpected to keep others away because they do not know how to deal with them. A self Destructive sometimes self harm mindset. 3. Dont know how to ask or accept help. Now the type of help I mean is the good help, not the help I talked about in my previous section. Get them a new car, the wreck it, you get them an Apt, they burn a hole in the carpet, you give them money for food, they go to the race track. I have met a lot of these types of people working with the Vet homeless shelter. Without the strict format of day to day service they have a very hard time functioning outside in the real world.
?#2 - Dislikeable to some yes, I would say more annoying and unreliable but, honest. I would rather deal with a honest slacker who talks too much then a Deceitful, Backstabbing, Rumor spreading, ass kisser that would take you lunch from the work fridge even though your name was clearly on the bag. I am talking to YOU LOIS! Once you I'd the type of person Bevis is you are able to work around him/her and sometimes use their personality to your benefit. Like invite him to party and then sick him on Lois for the night so she cant ass kiss the boss.
My MoA - I guess it would have to be "what would I do if this happen to me" question. What would I change about myself? Cosmetic stuff? Dream Job? Rock Star lifestyle? Money, lots and lots of money? Or would I change things that benefited others more than myself. This episode made me think of all of the things that the world needs and how so many people dont know it or since it doesn't affect them they dont care. I lost a good Associate last month. He died in a car crash after suffering a Medical issue. His wife and 3 kids are devastated. I think what I would want is for everyone to get a sneak peak on how much they are loved and affect others so they would/could do what's needed to give them more time in this world.
As always thank you for letting me vent.
PhxDog
You know, there are two points that I really like that you bring up: 1) "People with Anxiety or social issues on purpose do the unexpected to keep others away because they do not know how to deal with them." This is actually a point that I wish I put in there--even just in passing. My focus looked mostly from an external point of view. But, if you think about it internally from his POV, and you dive into the fact that he is consciously aware of his eccentricities--and knows that they tend to work against him, it does open up a different way of viewing both him and the episode. I like it.
2) "I would say more annoying and unreliable but, honest. I would rather deal with a honest slacker who talks too much then a Deceitful, Backstabbing, Rumor spreading, ass kisser that would take you lunch from the work fridge even though your name was clearly on the bag." This is a good point as well. I used "charming" a lot in the episode, but another word--maybe even a better one--to describe Bevis is probably endearing. The truth is that WE are allowed to be more of ourselves around him than others. You're right; he is not going to sell you out. That's a fantastic point.