Ep 4. Make Me Laugh/Clean Kills and Other Trophies

In the intriguing episode Make Me Laugh/Clean Kills and Other Trophies of Rod Serling's Night Gallery, viewers are taken on a unique journey through a pairing of dark and mystical tales that entwine human desires with supernatural twists. Each story in this two-part episode is carefully crafted to both enchant and challenge the audience’s perception of reality, leading to outcomes that are as profound as they are unexpected.

In the first tale, Make Me Laugh, the story revolves around an ambitious yet utterly unsuccessful comedian, Jackie Slater. In this thought-provoking vignette, Jackie’s career is in shambles; his performances on stage are met with silence rather than laughter, leaving him despondent and desperate for a breakthrough. In his pursuit of success and yearning for an audience to finally appreciate his craft, Jackie encounters a peculiar man who promises to fulfill the wish closest to his heart.

As the narrative unfolds, we witness the complex price of Jackie's longing to make people laugh. The episode takes us on a surreal exploration of dreams and aspirations, examining the potent mixture of comedy and tragedy that often underscores the lives of performers. The eerie atmosphere and sharp dialogue blend to create a stimulating commentary on the costs of fame and success, forcing the viewer to contemplate the paradoxical nature of comedy forged from personal pain and the gravity of carelessly made wishes.

Transitioning from the world of performance to the realm of high-stakes hunting, the second story, Clean Kills and Other Trophies, follows the cold and calculating life of Colonel Archie Dittman. Known for his unyielding nature and obsession with hunting, Dittman represents the quintessential archetype of a man consumed by power, control, and tradition. Stubborn to the core, he demands that his son take part in the family ritual of big game hunting, a rite of passage meant to harden the spirit and establish a legacy.

The Colonel's son, however, is the antithesis of his father's abrasive character, holding humane convictions and showing deep distaste for the needless killing of animals. As familial tensions reach their boiling point, an enigmatic and compelling force enters the fray, one that may possess the power to reshape the destiny of both men. This element of otherworldliness offers a stark juxtaposition to the Colonel's rigid outlook on life, bringing into question the morality of his beliefs and the relationship between man and nature.

Clean Kills and Other Trophies presents an absorbing tale of generational conflict, ethics, and mysticism. The episode delves into the psychological underpinnings of tradition and the consequences of extreme adherence to dogma. Intricately woven through this segment is the quiet but potent challenge to the viewer's notions of justice and retribution, all framed within the haunting atmosphere that is a hallmark of the Night Gallery series.

Taken together, these two stories make up an episode that is classic Rod Serling — a masterful combination of speculative fiction and poignant social commentary, wrapped in a cloak of suspense and the supernatural. The Night Gallery provides a canvas for a vivid array of human emotions and experiences, portraying the irony and unforeseen repercussions of human wishes and foibles.

Make Me Laugh/Clean Kills and Other Trophies is further enhanced by the captivating performances of its actors and the visually arresting set pieces that are emblematic of the Night Gallery. As with all episodes of the series, viewers are encouraged to look beyond the surface of what's visible in the paintings that introduce each story, and to reflect on the deeper meanings that exist within the shadows of the gallery. Truly, this episode encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a part of Rod Serling's nightmarish exhibition — a place where art, horror, and morality coalesce into a gripping viewing experience.