In the introduction, Serling is seen sitting at a table in a bar, smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer. Yep, he's going to tell you a joke. Which is basically what this episode is. An amusing little tale involving a much-abused Everyman who is suddenly given the strength of 300 men by aliens from Mars conducting experiments, a power which he uses for carnival tricks. Seeing this, and in the camera-lights' glare, his powers are suddenly taken away and he is made to look the fool. As things are returning to normal, more Aliens Walk Into the Bar and give him the intelligence of 500 men, which of course our hero uses to call plays on baseball for a couple of bookies. And there the story ends, with Serling advising us that our hero will probably lose these powers soon too but will probably experience many more because there are countless inhabited planets constantly sending emissaries and, of course, our hero is living in the Twilight Zone. A funny little line from Serling here ending this bar story, not with a huge punchline (as with most bar jokes) but with a little snicker and laugh. And, of course, what makes this episode so amusing is Burgess Meredith's performance, with the help of special guest star Don Rickles. An amusing, different TZ and a relief from some of the more somber episodes (which we all need from time to time!).
Review of Mr. Dingle, the Strong
