The Trouble With Mr. Serling

Rod Serling, the program's creator, is today rightly regarded as one of the true giants of television. But back in the early days it seems that not everyone had the same positive view of the somewhat enigmatic Mr. Sterling.
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Few television programs are as iconic for Baby Boomers as The Twilight Zone. As children, we were mesmerized each and every Friday night at 10:00 p.m. in the late fifties/early sixties by one of the most original shows ever to be aired on television.

Rod Serling, the program's creator, is today rightly regarded as one of the true giants of television. But back in the early days it seems that not everyone had the same positive view of the somewhat enigmatic Mr. Sterling.


Vance: Oh no, Zane! We're just trying to sit in peace here in the CBS Commissary and grab a late afternoon snack and look who's coming!

Zane: Oddball Serling? Well, what can you do?

Rod: One Zane Bernstein. His close associate Mr. Vance Koslow. Submitted for your approval: May I sit with you guys?

Vance: Umm ... sure, Rod. What've you been up to?

Vance: Sounds ... uh ... really fun. Okay, let's order, guys. Gail, we're ready!

Gail: What'll you fellas have?

Rod: You're here To Serve Man?

Gail: And women too sometimes, Mr. Serling.

Vance: I really like the food here. Wonder where they get their recipes from?

Gail: And we always use ample seasoning in all our food.

Zane: Rod, see those two women hobnobbing and stopping at every table? You know them, right? Now they're coming over here!

Bea: Nice to see you, Rod. Love to talk, but Willow and I have to go. Later!

Zane: I think one of your friends was checking me out, Rod. The one who I believe keeps bees?

Rod: Yes, you caught The Eye of the Bee-holder.

Vance: Think I'm gonna run to the Men's Room before we eat. Either of you guys see where ....

Vance: Thanks, Rod.

Zane: So, "Mr. Professor," I hear you're working on some kind of science fiction show. School us about it.

Rod: Lesson to be Learned*: The show is ... oops just realized I've got to be home by nightfall!

Zane: What's your rush? At least tell us the name of the show.

Rod: It's already Twilight, Zane!

Vance: He's gone! Boy, that is one weird dude! He's never gonna make it in show business.

Zane: Damn straight! The day he makes it, Vance, I'll believe in time travel, gremlins wrecking airplanes, and that William Shatner guy ever amounting to anything!

* This phrase is heard at the end of The Eye of the Beholder and several other episodes. The Eye of the Beholder episode is presented here in full for your enjoyment. Don't even try to thank me!

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