The “Nick of Time” episode from The Twilight Zone does not include any extraterrestrials, goblins, bargains with the devil, divine children, parallel universes, or obvious themes associated with any specific genre.
In this classic episode from the second season of The Twilight Zone (which is frequently aired on SYFY), the monster that appears isn’t something physical, but rather the terrifying scenarios concocted by an ill human mind trying to make sense of the unknown. In truth, nothing can be as frightening as what our minds are capable of creating when they are left unchecked, especially when superstition enters the picture.
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Remembering the monstrous anxiety of The Twilight Zone‘s “Nick of Time” episode starring William Shatner
Richard Matheson’s novel, “Nick of Time,” revolves around the character Don S. Carter, portrayed by William Shatner in his first two appearances on The Twilight Zone. This man finds himself entangled with a fortune-telling vending machine located in a diner, which dispenses cryptic answers to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions for just a penny each.
The distinctive dispenser is mostly ordinary, except for the bobbling Satan figure perched on top, which adds a mischievous evil feel to it. As author Richard Matheson recounted, the inspiration for the script came from a fortunetelling machine similar to that one in San Fernando, found in a café booth while he and his wife were going to watch a movie, as detailed in Marc Scott Zicree’s book, “The Twilight Zone Companion“.
In this scenario, a man named Don, who relies on a rabbit’s foot and four-leaf clover for good luck, starts to treat vague responses from a machine as if they are true, which concerns his wife Pat. Unlike Don, Pat is not convinced by superstitions or the idea of predetermined paths, and she finds his beliefs somewhat immature. When real threats and challenges are scarce, our brains can manufacture imagined dangers, leading to a state of what-if-based confusion and indecision that resembles a fearsome, obstacle-blocking anxiety. This portrayal is quite insightful, showing how anxiety can rapidly transform into an intimidating barrier that prevents escape.
Eventually, Pat’s logical thinking prevails, enabling them to snap out of their anxious trance. As a result, they manage to depart the town of Ridgeview, Ohio, embarking on their relaxed honeymoon journey towards New York, with time serving as both a savior and a reminder of its fleeting nature. Matheson describes it as, “They were saved just in the nick of time, and how that instant – the ‘nick’ – can have such an impact on one’s life.
However, with the joyful newlywed pair departing their unspecified concerns, another anxious-looking couple takes their place at the diner, urgently asking questions about their potential escape. In the realm of The Twilight Zone, every action seemingly has a corresponding reaction…
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2025-03-05 21:41