Twilight Zone episode review — 5.24 — What’s in the Box

Episode 5.24 “What’s in the Box”
Original air date: March 13, 1964
Writer: Martin Goldsmith
Director: Richard L. Bare

Rating: 5/10

This episode is…well, it’s definitely unique. It’s badly dated. Unintentionally humorous. And interesting.

The plot follows an unhappily married couple — Phyllis and John Britt (Joan Blondell and William Demarest) — that has problems with their television set. After it gets repaired by Sterling Holloway, it begins to show them glimpses of the future.

It’s actually a promising premise, and it’s sort of like “A Most Unusual Camera.” The acting’s alright, and you’d think this episode could be haunting once John sees glimpses of him fighting his wife.

But then that actually happens in the episode, and it’s just ridiculous.

It’s framed, shot, and edited to perfect comedic timing. It’s because of that that I find this episode very memorable and entertaining, but certainly not good.