Ep 27. The Big Tall Wish

In "The Twilight Zone" season 1 episode 27, titled "The Big Tall Wish," viewers are taken on a journey into the life of a young black boy named Henry Temple. Henry dreams of becoming a professional boxer one day. He listens to fights on the radio and regularly visits the gym in his neighborhood to watch the local boxers training. However, Henry is not without his challenges. His mother is a single parent who works multiple jobs to support him, and they live in a cramped and run-down apartment complex.

One day, after witnessing his favorite fighter, Bolie Jackson, lose a match on the radio, Henry makes a wish for Jackson to win his next fight. Later that day, Jackson approaches Henry, thanking him for his wish and revealing that he indeed won his fight. But as Henry becomes more and more convinced that he has the power to make things happen through his wishes, he soon learns that with great power comes great responsibility.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on an emotional journey as Henry navigates the complexities of his newfound power. He wishes for things like a better life for his mother, a new car for his neighbor, and for his own success as a boxer. But as his wishes begin to come true, he begins to grapple with the consequences of his actions. For example, when his neighbor's car is totaled in an accident, Henry learns that his wish for a new car came at the expense of the other driver's safety.

As Henry's power is put to the test, viewers are also taken on a journey into the themes of hope, faith, and the power of belief. Henry's wishes sometimes appear to come true through sheer coincidence or luck, leading viewers to wonder if perhaps it's not Henry's power that's making things happen, but rather his unwavering belief in the impossible.

Despite the episode's heavy themes, it also offers moments of lightheartedness and humor. When Henry's wish for a successful boxing career finally comes true, he challenges Bolie Jackson to a match and wins. The two fighters then end up sharing a moment of camaraderie and respect, creating a beautiful moment of connection and overcoming racial and social barriers.

Overall, "The Big Tall Wish" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of "The Twilight Zone." It explores complex themes of power, responsibility, and the role of belief in our lives while also offering moments of levity and connection. It's a timeless story that still resonates with audiences today, decades after its initial airing.