The Invaders

Agnes Moorehead turns in a tour-de-force performance as a woman in a remote farmhouse who faces "the invaders." She utters grunts, groans, and screams but never says a word.

Moorehead was one of the consummate character actresses of her day. She appeared in such classic films as CITIZEN KANE, THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS, HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE, DARK PASSAGE, THE OPPOSITE SEX, and many others. Unfortunately, many viewers only know her from BEWITCHED.

Not much can be said about the actual plot without giving too much away. The ending is, however, a true classic. It's amazing how many people don't get it!

Wow! Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, and an imaginative concept. This ranks at the top.This is so unique because it sucked the viewer in and not only had a shock "for the ages" of an ending-but generally placed the blame on us.Outside of Patty Duke's performance in "The Miracle Worker" this was with most brilliant non verbal performance I've seen on TV or Screen.The most shocking element to this episode is that no one could see it coming even though there are clues all along if you are paying attention(most people don't).It certainly redefines the element of humanity based on your particular perspective. I know I haven't discussed the episode but outside of a one sentence description of the episode you can't really say any more without giving it away. There also may be a social commentary evolving from this episode but rather than ramble on all I can say is this is one Twilight Zone that can not be missed.

This is frequently put near the top of the list of Twilight Zone episodes. It isn't so much the plot which follows the Rod Serling formula. It is the performance of this wonderful actress. The principle character deals with an unknown threat. She is also unknown and nondescript. She could be trying to get a fox out of the hen house rather than dealing with a flying saucer. She uses incredible facial expressions and battles her "adversary." One really feels for the people on board the space ship. They are innocent victims, but instead of making their presence known to a government agency, they are at war with a citizen, a really big one.

The cast of the 60's comedy series 'Bewitched' were somewhat involved in TZ. Elizabeth Montgomery in 'Two' (series three), Dick York in 'The Purple Testament'(series one) and 'A Penny For Your Thoughts' (series two), David White in 'A World Of Difference' (series one) and 'I Sing The Body Electric' (series three).

Here we are concerned with the much talented character actress Agnes Moorehead. Best remembered for 'Bewitched', the first Orson Welles films 'Citizen Kane' and 'Magnificent Ambersons', and 'Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte'. Also impressive as a rather evil character in 'Dark Passage' with Humphrey Bogart.

'The Invaders' is an odd piece of television in that it concentrates on Agnes Moorehead so alone as a woman living a wretchedly remote and spartan existence. Yet another episode to focus very closely on the fear and anguish of the individual. Virtually nothing is revealed about her as she finds a small flying saucer in her dark dwelling. A story with a twist as you may well expect. A very singular entry, well played by the star, even though she isn't given lines to deliver.

This episode is one of my all-time favorites, from maybe my all-time favorite series. It's great from so many perspectives: lighting; minimal dialogue; sound editing; and Agnes Moorhead's terrific performance. The tension builds throughout this episode. Having seen it again very recently, I can assure readers that it stands up very well even after the passage of more than fifty years since the original airing. Seeing it again recently made me realize, and not for the first time, that a great writer and director don't need graphic violence and lots of screams to build terror and excitement. This is one of the can't miss shows out of the entire run of the series.