The Twilight Zone Companion by Marc Scott Zicree
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Book Reviews of The Twilight Zone Companion
Book Review: Submitted for your approval.....
Summary: 5 Stars
I made the mistake of lending my only copy of this book to a Serling-phile who never returned it back in the late 80s. Pat, if you're reading this, be a mensch and return it. It's easy to see why he kept it. Not only is the book a fascinating read because it gives the behind-the-scenes dish on particular episodes in terms of actors, writers, and myriad scholarly details, it also has all the Rod Serling introductory remarks for each episode as well as the closing remarks. Before Pat stole my copy, I had memorized several (a great thing to come up with, by the way,when someone shoves a video camera in your face and expects you to "perform"). Give them a little Rod, and it makes for a good time. Who could forget some of those gems? Case in point: "In just a moment, this sad-faced perennial punching bag, who missed even the caboose of life's gravy train, will take a short constitutional into that most upredictable region we refer to as .... the Twilight Zone." Great stuff. And the book goes a long way to show Serling's own craftsmanship and his respect for the written word and the people who labored for this unusual program trying to capture something about the human condition. Do yourself a favor: buy this book and a copy of "Night of the Meek" for someone you love this Christmas. Art Carney plays a good-hearted, down-on-his-luck department store Santa Claus who gets ahold of some Christmas magic courtesy of the Twilight Zone, where all things are possible.Book Review: Thank goodness for Marc Scott Zicree
Summary: 5 Stars
Having read and been extremely disappointed with a couple of other "guides" on some of my favorite shows (e.g. Blackadder) I was REALLY thankful to see that someone had done right by my favorite television series of all time.Zicree's Twilight Zone companion is one of the best organized guides to a show I've ever seen. It's put together perfectly to compliment the show and it's many facets. It covers everything about the show in a clear consice pattern.
Each episode section begins with
-A screenshot of the episode
-A full cast listing
-Serlings verbal introduction
-An overview of what happens in the episode
-Serlings verbal exit
-Discussion, quotes, and interviews regarding that particular episodes production.
There is also a large amount of biographical information on several of the shows' writers, directors, and cast such as Rod Serling and Richard Matheson.
At the begining and end of each season there is even more production information regarding how the show did for the season, ratings and pretty much anyhing you would want to know about the show and what surrouds it.
Additionally Zicree does an exceptional job of interviewing and quoting important people that were working on the show.
This is a wonderful book for fans of the series that explains and expounds alot on the genius that was Rod Serling.
A MUST BUY!
Book Review: BEST 'ZONE' RESOURCE OUT THERE
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book from beginning to end the first time I got it. Twilight Zone is, in my opinion, the best television show ever. For those like myself who know the episodes by name, then you have to get this book. The background information on everybody involved with each episode is extensive. Zicree must have spent an ungodly amount of time researching for this book. Very impressive. Reading through this book reads almost like a chronology. There are little tidbits interspersed within the episode guide that tell what was happening to the show, things that were changing, the changing quality of the show, trends, etc. The only improvements I recommend are listing the episodes in the order they were televised, or maybe present a timeline. I also recommend a more structured method of reviewing each episode. It is clear there are some the author liked and disliked and these could be presented better. Maybe make a list of the each episode's strengths and weaknesses, and then an all-conclusive statement. The reason is there are many episodes I like but the author quickly dismisses them.
Book Review: Detailed Episode summaries, and amazing extra info plus more
Summary: 5 Stars
Now I'm not the biggest Twilight Zones fan. I can't recite every line to Nightware at 20,000 feet or tell you what episode number Time Enough at Last is. But when I got this book, I fell in love with the Twilight Zone. Marc Scott Zicree does a fantastic job by explaining what happens in each episode. He can tell you what Rod Serling says at the opening and closing, who stars in the episode, if it was taken from another idea, PLUS! Every episode summary is followed by an extremely detailed extra info pages. Did you know that Terror at 20,000 feet or To Serve Man, two of the Twilight Zone's greatest episodes, weren't really Rod Serlings ideas? (They were copied from Stories) Or that A game of pool has two endings? (They include the dialogue of both endings in the book) With a full 15 page bio of Rod Serling at the beggining, any Twilight Zone fan, big or small, will love this book.Book Review: There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the best Sci-Fi anthology series deserves an outstanding episode guide and Marc Scott Zicree has delivered. I have had my copy for some time and like many it is dog-eared but well used. The guide gives more then just the episode summary; you get the opening and closing narrations as well as commentaries on a few notable episodes. Mr. Zicree does give his personal opinions on a few of the bad episodes but does a great job on explaining the importance of the series and the host who is easily the most recognizable TV character. I had a chance to talk with Mr. Zicree at a Sci-Fi Con and he happily autographed my copy and was very happy to talk Twilight Zone and expressed his love for the series and what a pleasure it was to write the guide. This guide is a must have for any fan of the series and a good read for those who might find themselves lost in the Twilight Zone.