Ep 22. Long Distance Call

In The Twilight Zone season 2 episode 22, entitled Long Distance Call, we witness the disturbing chain of events that occur after a young boy, Billy, receives a toy phone from his grandmother as a birthday gift. The phone is old and broken, but it's a cherished keepsake that reminds Billy of his beloved grandmother who recently passed away. However, the innocence of a child's toy quickly turns into a sinister presence when Billy starts receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be his grandmother.

At first, Billy is ecstatic to hear his grandmother's voice on the other end of the line, and he excitedly tells his mother and father about the miraculous occurrences. But his parents brush it off as a child's imagination running wild. As the calls persist and become more frequent, Billy's parents begin to worry. It's not until they hear the other end of the line that they realize something is seriously wrong. The voice that Billy hears isn't his grandmother's at all, but a mysterious entity that has taken over the phone.

Despite their attempts to disconnect the phone and throw it away, the calls continue to come in. It becomes clear that the entity on the phone has a sinister intent and is determined to keep Billy on the line. As the situation escalates, Billy's parents must come to terms with the fact that their son is in grave danger.

The tension in this episode is built on the fear of the unknown and the unexplainable. We never see the entity on the other end of the phone, but the sound of its voice is chilling enough to send shivers down your spine. The fear of losing a loved one is also a central theme, as the grief of losing Billy's grandmother is still raw and palpable.

The performances throughout this episode are particularly strong, with Billy's young actor delivering a heartfelt and believable portrayal of a child who just wants to hear his grandmother's voice one more time.

Long Distance Call is bold for its time with a clever concept that plays on our fears of the unknown. Even today, the idea of a mysterious and malevolent presence communicating through a phone line is a concept that still feels relevant and creepy. The episode expertly creates a sense of dread and unease that builds to a satisfying conclusion.

In summary, The Twilight Zone season 2 episode 22, Long Distance Call, is a haunting and effective episode that taps into our deepest fears of the unknown. With strong performances, a clever concept, and well-executed scares, this episode is a standout in the series and a must-watch for fans of classic sci-fi horror.