Twilight Zone: “Time Enough At Last” [Season 1, Episode 8] / Z-View

Twilight Zone: “Time Enough At Last” [Season 1, Episode 8]
Original Air Date: November 20, 1959

Director: John Brahm

Writer: Rod Serling based on a short story by Lynn Venable

Starring: Burgess Meredith, Vaughn Taylor and Jaqueline deWit

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Poor little, nearsighted, henpecked Henry Bemis [Meredith] loves to read.  Reading is his passion but sadly life deprives him of it.  His boss at the bank, Mr. Carsville [Taylor] won’t allow reading at work.  Bemis’ wife [deWit] destroys his books at home.

Bemis decides to take his lunch in the bank’s underground vault so he can sneak in some reading as he eats.  While in the vault a massive explosion is felt. Bemis emerges to a world destroyed by nuclear war.  He is totally alone.

At first frightened, Bemis finds food and water to ensure his survival for years.  When he discovers a library Bemis realizes he now has time enough at last to read everything.  Of course this is the Twilight Zone and the episode concludes with one of its most famous twist endings.

Final Thoughts:  Meredith owns his role as Bemis.  A classic episode worthy of its reputation.

Rating: 5 of 5 stars.