The Trance (26 Nov. 1988)

A phony trance-channeler gets an unexpected message from the beyond.

Director:

Randy Bradshaw

Writers:

Rod Serling (creator), Jeff Stuart,

Stars:

Peter Scolari, Neil Munro, Ted Simonett

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Peter Scolari	...	Leonard Randall / Delos of Atlantis
Neil Munro	...	Don
Ted Simonett	...	Gerry
Hrant Alianak	...	Dr. Greenburg
Jeanne Beker	...	Daphne Blake
Glynis Davies	...	Believer #1
Mona Matteo	...	Julia
Robin Ward	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

A phony trance-channeler gets an unexpected message from the beyond.

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Plot Keywords:

interview | reflection | voice | psychiatrist | spirit | 

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Genres:

Sci-Fi | Fantasy | Mystery | Thriller | Horror

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 November 1988 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

CBS Broadcast International, Atlantis Films, London Film Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

The Twilight Zone: The Trance

Peter Scolari (Newhart) stars as a charlatan, Leonard Randall, who, along with his agent/colleague, Don (Neil Munro), has invented "Delos of Atlantis", a fictional character from another time with the ability to advise the "mindless sheep", as well as, speak as if he were from the past. What starts to happen to Randall, much to his detriment, is that Delos "begins to speak for himself" and Don becomes powerless to stop him. Randall's life becomes unraveled when Delos begins to speak to others, the truth and nothing but, and such dialogue, offending those who supported him not knowing that this "person from another time" was simply a fabrication (not to mention a shrink and a talk show host's segment supervisor who are taken aback by Delos' blunt honesty, considering such comments as rude, cutting right to the bone, definitely casting Leonard in a terrible light), polarizes everyone who hears. Soon Randall will discover that he has indeed "tapped into the spirit of the universe" and will also be a human vessel, against his will, with all having to "face the truth", even if it takes thirty years! Not one of my favorite episodes, although seeing a phony "defrauded" by a real spirit that has invaded his body is rather satisfying. The ending, where Randall is finally confronted by "the universe", is just bizarre. Scolari going from one character to another is fun to watch, a real tour-de-force for the fine comedian. Having a liar, a con artist who has master-manipulated many, by way of a spirit, forcing him to admit the truth is rather amusing, I must admit, even if I found the conclusion more than a bit hokey. Anyone who had fallen prey to Randall's hogwash deserved to be fooled.