It's interesting how Twilight Zone writers and fans are always bragging about the Vietnam War subplot in "In Praise of Pip"-- (an excellent episode which aired on September 27, 1963), when, in fact, Route 66's Linc Case and his Vietnam experience was playing out in prime time 6 months earlier.
A most welcome appearance by Linc--a strong, sympathetic performance by Glenn Corbett--- which was DESPERATELY needed to break the cycle of Tod Stiles' solo shows, with all of those convoluted, psychological morality plays (most with unhinged female characters). And even though THIS episode's goofy, ephemeral lady (Susan Oliver) is merely annoying , she does tend to distract from the power and intensity of Linc's emotional situation. I wish he would have just told her to GET LOST in the hotel room scene on the phone.
Like many, I have problems with writer/producer Silliphant's approach to the topic of military training/martial arts and the potential for violence during a serviceman's re-adjustment. (The fine series "THE DEFENDERS" 2nd episode also dealt with this subject and really copped out in a "touchy-feely" way).
There's no doubt in my mind: the PUNKS that harassed and assaulted Linc got EXACTLY what they deserved...and we don't need any soul-searching and chest-beating from social progressives like Silliphant on this. Leave the guy alone and let him work through his problems, for Pete's sake. Maybe the punks will think twice the next time.
And "Mr. Tough Guy"/Preppy Tod Stiles should have just cooled off, instead of making Linc's first trip home that much more difficult. But I guess that's just Silliphant talking-- ironically through a character (Stiles) who's much more ill-tempered, violent and unreasonable than Linc could ever be.
Wonderful, sensitive scene between Linc and his long-suffering mother, made all the more tragic by his story of the Vietnamese girl who died while saving his life. Very moving.
Two complaints (Other than Susan Oliver's loopy character)---
1.) Why doesn't anyone (Linc included) speak up and defend him? It was CLEARLY a case of self-defense against that gang of creeps. Ms. Oliver makes a half-hearted attempt, to no avail. No witnesses? It happened in broad daylight.
2.) Stupid music- soundtrack decision: using that hoaky "Oriental"- sounding stuff when Linc starts to lose it; I understand it's supposed to tip us off as Linc "relives" his 'Nam experience....but, really.....even back in 1963 it was trite. LR
A most welcome appearance by Linc--a strong, sympathetic performance by Glenn Corbett--- which was DESPERATELY needed to break the cycle of Tod Stiles' solo shows, with all of those convoluted, psychological morality plays (most with unhinged female characters). And even though THIS episode's goofy, ephemeral lady (Susan Oliver) is merely annoying , she does tend to distract from the power and intensity of Linc's emotional situation. I wish he would have just told her to GET LOST in the hotel room scene on the phone.
Like many, I have problems with writer/producer Silliphant's approach to the topic of military training/martial arts and the potential for violence during a serviceman's re-adjustment. (The fine series "THE DEFENDERS" 2nd episode also dealt with this subject and really copped out in a "touchy-feely" way).
There's no doubt in my mind: the PUNKS that harassed and assaulted Linc got EXACTLY what they deserved...and we don't need any soul-searching and chest-beating from social progressives like Silliphant on this. Leave the guy alone and let him work through his problems, for Pete's sake. Maybe the punks will think twice the next time.
And "Mr. Tough Guy"/Preppy Tod Stiles should have just cooled off, instead of making Linc's first trip home that much more difficult. But I guess that's just Silliphant talking-- ironically through a character (Stiles) who's much more ill-tempered, violent and unreasonable than Linc could ever be.
Wonderful, sensitive scene between Linc and his long-suffering mother, made all the more tragic by his story of the Vietnamese girl who died while saving his life. Very moving.
Two complaints (Other than Susan Oliver's loopy character)---
1.) Why doesn't anyone (Linc included) speak up and defend him? It was CLEARLY a case of self-defense against that gang of creeps. Ms. Oliver makes a half-hearted attempt, to no avail. No witnesses? It happened in broad daylight.
2.) Stupid music- soundtrack decision: using that hoaky "Oriental"- sounding stuff when Linc starts to lose it; I understand it's supposed to tip us off as Linc "relives" his 'Nam experience....but, really.....even back in 1963 it was trite. LR