Ep 29. The Obsolete Man

In "The Obsolete Man," season 2 episode 29 of The Twilight Zone, we are introduced to a totalitarian society ruled by a Chancellor and his government's enforcement arm. The Chancellor declares that all citizens must conform to a new technological age where books and religion are illegal. Those who still hold onto these beliefs and activities are deemed "obsolete" and are sentenced to death.

The protagonist of the episode is a librarian named Romney Wordsworth. As a librarian, he is an obsolete man, but he refuses to give up his beliefs and passions. In defiance of the Chancellor's orders, Romney has secretly kept a collection of books in his home. He believes that the knowledge and wisdom contained in these books are critical to the people's survival in a world where censorship and conformity reign supreme.

The Chancellor challenges Wordsworth to appear on a live telecast where he will be put on trial for his beliefs in books and religion. There, the Chancellor plans to prove once and for all that Wordsworth is obsolete and his way of life has no place in the new order.

At the trial, Wordsworth makes a passionate plea for the importance of free thought and speech. He says that books contain all the knowledge accumulated throughout history and that by burning them, the government is burning the people's heritage. In the end, Wordsworth's plea leaves a lasting impact on the Chancellor, who ultimately discovers the power of Wordsworth's message.

"The Obsolete Man" is a powerful and emotional episode of The Twilight Zone that highlights the importance of free speech and free thought. The show's theme has been an ongoing source of inspiration for generations, and this episode stands out as one of the best in the series. By showcasing the humanity of its characters and the stark contrast between individuality and conformity, this episode is a timeless classic that resonates with audiences to this day. The message of hope that the episode ends with is one we can all take to heart, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.