This Classic Twilight Zone Episode Plays Out Like a Speedrun of John Carpenter’s The Thing

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This Classic Twilight Zone Episode Plays Out Like a Speedrun of John Carpenter's The Thing

As a gamer with a heart for classic sci-fi and a mind always ready to dissect intricate plots, I find myself constantly amazed at how some stories manage to stand the test of time. The Twilight Zone’s “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?” is one such tale that has left an indelible mark on my imagination.

In a chilling twist of fate, I find myself transported to a thrilling tale that mirrors the suspenseful atmosphere of John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” though this isn’t the storyline from his 1982 sci-fi horror classic. Instead, let me guide you through an intriguing episode from the legendary “The Twilight Zone” series, which airs frequently on SYFY. This particular episode is titled “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?” in Season 2, and it eerily echoes the fear, paranoia, and suspicion that would grip Outpost 31 two decades later.

In a diner amidst heavy snowfall, written by Rod Serling, the story “Who is the Real Martian?” unfolds. Two state troopers (John Archer and Morgan Jones) are summoned to investigate a UFO landing in a nearby frozen pond. They must discern an alien among seven passengers on a bus who appear ordinary.

As a gamer, I’d say: I thought I knew everyone in that group when I gave them a ride. But now, I’m starting to question if everyone is truly who they seem. The cops, the driver, and the diner’s friendly cook, Haley, were the only ones we were told not to suspect. But with each passing moment, I can’t shake off this feeling of unease.

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How The Twilight Zone episode “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?” foreshadowed John Carpenter’s The Thing

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In less than half an hour, this specific episode of The Twilight Zone resembles a condensed version of Carpenter’s The Thing, jumping straight to the part where everyone starts hurling unsubstantiated accusations at one another, similar to “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” which aired a season prior. Jack Elam is the undeniable star of this episode, portraying an eccentric, chili-loving elderly man who exclaims, “She’s as fantastical as science fiction! She’s just like something Ray Bradbury would write!”

An unidentified extraterrestrial cleverly exploits the group’s fear and bewilderment, escalating the suspense by manipulating the lights and music. At a point when tension peaks dramatically, the phone rings with news that a nearby bridge is safe to cross, despite the harsh weather. However, this wasn’t true; it was just another trick by the celestial traveler, leading the soldiers and bus full of people to a tragic watery demise. It turns out that the real Martian among us was the grumpy businessman named Ross (John Hoyt), who had been insisting on being in Boston the next morning for an urgent meeting.

As a gamer immersed in this sci-fi world, I find myself back at the diner, perched on the counter with a freshly lit cig in my hand. In a moment that feels suspiciously like the Twilight Zone, as I casually mention a Martian colonization party en route, I unwittingly expose a hidden third arm. To add to the mystery, the cook reveals his own alien nature: he removes his soda jerk hat, and there’s an unblinking eye in the middle of his forehead. With a chilling laugh, he taunts me, implying that the Martians aren’t the only extraterrestrials around here—apparently, I’m not from Earth either, and Haley, my fellow diner patron, is an alien from Venus with ships intercepting the Martian delegation.

In the aftermath of Outpost 31’s explosion, the showdown between Ross and Haley mirrors the uncertain ending of “The Thing.” Despite this reversal, it remains equally bleak. The surviving characters are both non-human entities, signifying a grim reminder that humanity is extinct. The world as we understand it has met its end.

As a long-time fan of classic science fiction and horror, I can confidently say that The Twilight Zone is one of my all-time favorite shows. Growing up, I would eagerly wait for its re-runs on SYFY, always intrigued by the thought-provoking stories and unexpected twists. If you’re a fan too, be sure to check out their complete scheduling info!

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2024-08-21 21:02