KOI: A Twilight Zone Show - The Purple Testament #19

Not all heroes love having powers. Such is the case for Lieutenant Fitzgerald--Fitz for short, in this week's Twilight Zone episode "The Purple Testament." This is a story of a soldier with an odd gift--or, perhaps, curse. Fitz knows when death is coming for his fellow soldiers--he can literally see it on their faces. Captain Riker, played by Dick York, does all that he can to help the lieutenant, but it isn't long until he himself begins to don the glowing visage. I won't reveal here how the story ends; you'll either have to watch my plot summery or watch the episode itself. If it were up to me, I'd say, go watch the actual episode. Then, come back and join us as we break down this episode of the Twilight Zone. We'll talk about why Rod Serling invokes Shakespeare's Richard II; we'll dissect what the supernatural effect does for our reading of the episode; and I'll reveal to you my moment of awe.
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Episode outline:
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Plot synopsis
02:11 Episode Specifics
02:33 Episode tidbits
05:21 My initial thoughts
06:13 Question 1
17:04 Question 2
22:15 Question 3
19:47 Episode rating
23:27 Next episode and your questions
23:49 Closing
24:16 Listener shout-outs and messages from me
25:52 How to get involved and how to support the show
No show did a better job than The Twilight Zone at generating awe and wonder within its audience. It just so happens that awe is exactly what we need in these difficult, divisive times. So, join me, Joe Meyer, and let's walk through the fifth dimension with Rod Serling. Along the way, we'll discuss big questions and relate them back to our Twilight Zone episodes.
Opening and Ending theme: by Jacob Williams @jakeproduces on Fiverr
#twilightzone #rodserling #scifi #zone #outerlimits #sciencefiction

[@thekeyofimagination]

I hope you enjoyed the episode. Consider joining us on this journey through the original Twilight Zone series. We’re breaking down episodes and learning about life along the way. There’s always room for more people.

[@RobAGabor]

My moment of awe is what happens every time I watch WWII-related episodes and that is I’m in awe at how little time had passed between WWII and when this episode came out. It came out just 14 years after the end of the war. The attacks referred to as 9/11 was 23 years ago and Oklahoma City bombing was 29 years ago. I always liked history and always wanted to be part of history. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say I wanted to witness history.
When I was younger, WWII was ancient history and 1959/60 seemed like the prelude to my birth. But now the time between 1945 or 1941 and when I could start remembering things, around 1971, seems to not be that long and that I have seen a lot in my life.

[@thekeyofimagination]

@@RobAGabor My goodness-it’s been 23 years since 9/11. I remember being a kid and adults telling me that time will go by more quickly when you get older. It does feel that way sometimes. Have you had a chance to read “First Squad, First Platoon” yet? Serling wrote it at about 21 or 22 years old while at Antioch College. Even at that young age, you can hear what will become his signature cadence of writing and speaking. To have that level of clarity at 21/2 is pretty amazing. I most certainly did not.

[@nekorena]

What frustrated me about this episode was the powerlessness and futility of this gift if you don't also find out when and how exactly the person will die. But maybe I'll give it a rewatch with all the new information you provided. :)

[@thekeyofimagination]

I know what you mean. There's something of the ancient Greek gift-curse about it. You have this ability, but it still doesn't really help you or anyone else. It would be quite terrible to actually be able to do this.