Twilight Zone episode review — 3.16 — Nothing in the Dark
Episode 3.16 “Nothing in the Dark”
Original air date: January 5, 1962
Writer: George Clayton Johnson
Director: Lamont Johnson
Rating: 8/10
The first episode of 1962 was a pretty good one with an interesting story and a nice early performance from film legend Robert Redford.
Wanda Dunn (Gladys Cooper) is an old woman that refuses to leave her apartment or let anyone in it, afraid she’ll end up meeting Death, who she claims to have seen in the past.
There’s a shootout outside, and a police officer, Harry Beldon (Redford), needs her help. She very reluctantly lets him in, but she can’t call a doctor for him because she doesn’t have a phone. She’s relieved that he isn’t Death, and she doesn’t die when she touches him.
A man knocks on the door and breaks in, with the door knocking her to the ground. When she’s gotten up, he tells her that the building has been condemned, and that it will be torn down soon. Wanda tries to get Harold to help, but the contractor doesn’t see him.
After the contractor leaves, Wanda realizes that Harold is Death. She’s angry at him for deceiving her, but he explains that there is nothing to be afraid of, and that it will be painless. She takes his hand.
It’s a similar episode with a similar ending to season 1’s “One for the Angels.” It’s an uplifting episode, and it benefits from strong performances from both Cooper and Redford.
