I recorded and watched this episode recently. I did not see it as a child. This episode was actually quite captivating. In fact, it was somewhat eerie. I could not figure out what was happening, but it had my full attention. The subject matter was atypical of the show until maybe the very end. I thought it was well written and demonstrated how much information and suspense can be compacted into a few minutes. The show even had a few special effects not normally seen in the series. It would be a complete spoiler to tell viewers what's actually occurring. I wanted to end my review here, but the guidelines say to submit a minimum of 10 lines. Herewith are some further thoughts on the show. The issue with the hat is a little creepy for some reason. Kathy is the child in focus in this show. Jim's expression of fear when the mysterious man comes to his house is realistic and more dramatic than some of the series. Watch and enjoy.
3 Reviews
Stunning Episode
MichaelMartinDeSapio3 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
One of FKB's forays into melodrama and the surreal. Jim has a strange dream in which he is giving a speech to the President on television, presenting a "formula for happiness" that he has composed; suddenly a villain invades the TV studio and steals the formula. Jim is baffled about what this dream might mean, and even more so when parts of the dream start to come true in real life.
The episode's atmosphere resembles THE TWILIGHT ZONE, which didn't debut until several months later. It has a palpably eerie flavor. I was really stunned by "Formula for Happiness" and think it represents this series at its finest.
The episode's atmosphere resembles THE TWILIGHT ZONE, which didn't debut until several months later. It has a palpably eerie flavor. I was really stunned by "Formula for Happiness" and think it represents this series at its finest.
Spellbound!
Jaygerhard12 August 2014
This show should be required viewing for anyone attempting to write a screenplay for a pilot shown on 'today's' television boxes.
It's always a treat to remind ourselves what life was like 40 or 50 years ago.
Not for the differences – but for seeing the things that haven't changed.
If you have seen – and love – Hitchcock's "Spellbound", you will love this show.
It uses the same 'dream interpretation' plot in a beautiful, warm and witty way.
The characters, as usual, are both 'everyman' and larger than life.
The message is one both simple and profound.
And the best part is - it is one of those very rare TV sightings for which most viewers will not 'figure it out' before the end.
It's always a treat to remind ourselves what life was like 40 or 50 years ago.
Not for the differences – but for seeing the things that haven't changed.
If you have seen – and love – Hitchcock's "Spellbound", you will love this show.
It uses the same 'dream interpretation' plot in a beautiful, warm and witty way.
The characters, as usual, are both 'everyman' and larger than life.
The message is one both simple and profound.
And the best part is - it is one of those very rare TV sightings for which most viewers will not 'figure it out' before the end.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
