Twilight Zone: Season 1, Episode 6 Escape Clause
(6 Nov. 1959)
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Twilight Zone: Season 1, Episode 6 Escape Clause
(6 Nov. 1959)
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| Watch Episode 0Share... |
| Episode complete credited cast: | |||
| Rod Serling | ... |
Narrator
(voice)
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| David Wayne | ... |
Walter Bedeker
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| Thomas Gomez | ... | ||
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Virginia Christine | ... |
Ethel Bedeker
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| Raymond Bailey | ... |
Doctor
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Wendell Holmes | ... |
Cooper
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| Dick Wilson | ... |
Jack
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| Joe Flynn | ... |
Steve
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| Nesdon Booth | ... |
Guard
(as Nesden Booth)
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The devil gives an aging hypochondriac exchange immortality, no aging, and complete indestructibility in exchange for his soul. The contract for the deal contains an escape clause allowing the man to end his life. Now why would he need that? Written by Baron
Okay, before watching this episode, I'll admit that this show is not a great example of Biblical scholarship. Sure, it's all very silly and flies in the face of Christian, Jewish and even Muslim teachings--but still, it's highly entertaining. While not as good as the wonderful "To Serve Man", this is indeed one of the best episodes of the series.
David Wayne plays a terribly neurotic man who is completely wrapped up in himself and his supposed impending death. He's perfectly healthy and young but is obsessed with every little ache and pain. As a result of this obsession, the Devil appears to him and offers him a contract--he can live a million healthy years just for the cost of his soul. This deal leads to some very dark and twisted humor (my favorite type)--and shows him doing many dangerous things just for kicks (such as jumping in front of a subway train). Naturally, since this is Satan we are talking about, it all comes with a wonderful twist. I won't say more, as it would ruin the suspense, but thanks to a great script it's a real keeper.