Night Gallery : It never gets old

It never gets old

There is something that sets Night Gallery apart from all other sci-fi/thriller TV shows. An ethereal element of mystique lurks within every episode that provides for unique entertainment. Narrated by Rod Serling, Night Gallery explores the supernatural from the context of an abstract painting--a different painting each episode. When narrating his previous series, The Twilight Zone, Serling generally manifested an air of superiority to the plot--like he had it in the palm of his hand and could control it. In Night Gallery, however, he relinquishes such control and becomes more a PART of the madness; as if the gallery is controlling HIM (it is also refreshing to finally view him in color). Night Gallery episodes are NOT concluded with a Serling anecdotal summary; instead, a shocking punch is usually delivered that the viewer is left to unravel without assistance.

The directing and editing are top notch. Scenes cascade in a swift and somewhat ambiguous fashion, and camera tricks are cleverly exploited to hold our attention--proving that today's computer graphics are not essential to exact viewer interest. Simple story lines are translated into convoluted journeys of intrigue with music and sound effects akin only to The Exorcist.

Some memorable episodes include Sally Field playing a woman with multiple personalities (this was before she played Cybil, mind you); an ostracized young girl who befriends a seaweed monster; a diner jukebox that hauntingly plays only one song; a man who has an earwig planted in his ear that creeps through his brain (and lays eggs!); and a young Clint Howard (Ron's kid brother) playing a child prodigy who foresees mankind's treacherous fate.

Of course, there are those little, campy vignettes thrown in for fun, most of which are mildly amusing. Overall, this is an exhibit you will not want to bypass!


He who conquers himself is mightier than he who conquers a city.

Re: It never gets old


Some memorable episodes include Sally Field playing a woman with multiple personalities (this was before she played Cybil, mind you); an ostracized young girl who befriends a seaweed monster; a diner jukebox that hauntingly plays only one song; a man who has an earwig planted in his ear that creeps through his brain (and lays eggs!); and a young Clint Howard (Ron's kid brother) playing a child prodigy who foresees mankind's treacherous fate.


Loved those episodes too, jwalsh67. Nice post. I love Night Gallery almost as much as I luv the Twilight Zone. They just don't make television like this anymore.



"You unlock this door with the key of imagination..."

Re: It never gets old

The caterpillar in the ear episode was my favorite....Been looking for it in the reruns, it's due to show up soon

Re: It never gets old

The episode "The Caterpillar" is the best episode of the show-- period. Just for star power alone, Laurence Harvey delivers a powerhouse performance. It's more like a half hour movie.

___________________________________
Never say never...

Re: It never gets old

The impact of this show was better when viewed at 9 years old (I was) when it was NEW.
Today it's got so many flaws--I just keep pecking at them. Still- I love it! Happy to have the entire series. Only about 1/4 of the shows are "great / scary".

"The ENEMY of my ENEMY is my FRIEND"
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