The Twilight Zone (2020) episode review — 2.9 — Try, Try

Original air date: June 25, 2020
Director: Jennifer McGowan
Writer: Alex Rubens

Rating: 7/10

Wow, this episode is damn good. I mean, I’m judging it on a curve relative to a series I for the most part haven’t enjoyed all that much, but this episode is cleverly written and has two outstanding performances.

Where so many comedic actors doing dramatic performances in this episode have fallen flat, Topher Grace really shines here as a handsome stranger who slowly becomes more and more sinister.

He saves the protagonist’s life in the opening scene and strikes up a relationship with her, only for it to be revealed that he knows everything that will happen today because he’s stuck in a time loop, wanting to get her to love him.

I like how it takes the creepiness inherent in a Groundhog Day premise and really focuses on it.

The ending may be disappointing, but there is some great tension as we learn what’s going on.