Twilight Zone episode review — 5.3 — Nightmare at 20,000 Feet

Episode 5.3 “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”
Original air date: October 11, 1963
Writer: Richard Matheson, based on his short story
Director: Richard Donner

Rating: 10/10

“Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” seems to be one of the best remembered Twilight Zone episodes. People remember a pre-Star Trek William Shatner witnessing a gremlin on sabotaging the wing of his plane.

Aside from the ending — which is very over the top and not believable — the only real problem this episode has is the costume of the gremlin/monster. It looks ridiculous. And yet it’s a testament to the writing, directing, and acting, that you’re able to take the episode seriously.

The scene in the gif above is legitimately scary, even when you know what’s coming. The tension is drawn out to a point in which the payoff is great. Shatner nails it, too. I’m not going to argue he’s a great actor or anything, but he plays this role quite well.

The ending is understated and satisfying, as well. Overall, it’s a great episode. There’s a reason people remember it as a classic.