Ep 103. Replay (Black and White)

Replay is one of the most famous episodes in Twilight Zone history, and for good reason. The episode follows a mother and son, Nina and Dorian, as they embark on a road trip to take Dorian to college. Along the way, Nina pulls out an old camera that her brother gifted her in her youth. She soon discovers that the camera has a unique ability to rewind time, allowing her to relive moments over and over again.

As they continue on their journey, Nina and Dorian are pursued by a racist police officer who stops them for no reason and harasses them relentlessly. Fearing for their lives, Nina uses the camera to rewind time and try to avoid the encounter. This sets off a chain of events that test the limits of her power and force her to confront the reality of her situation.

The real strength of Replay lies in its handling of race relations. The episode is unflinching in its portrayal of police brutality and the fear and helplessness that comes with being a minority in America. It's a bold and powerful statement for a show that aired in the early 60s, and it still resonates today.

The performances in Replay are top-notch, with both Frances Foster as Nina and Dukie Fields as Dorian giving nuanced and affecting performances. The direction by Joseph M. Newman is tight and efficient, building tension and suspense throughout the episode.

The special effects used to showcase the camera's power are also impressive for the time, with scenes seamlessly blending in and out of each other. It's a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Twilight Zone team that they were able to pull off such a complex idea with the limitations of 60s television.

Replay is a must-see episode of The Twilight Zone, and one that continues to be relevant to this day. Its exploration of racism, police brutality, and the power of objects to change our lives is both thought-provoking and entertaining. If you're a fan of the series, or just interested in exploring classic television, Replay is a great place to start.