Nervous Man In A Four Dollar Room - Twilight-Tober Zone

[@ChannelAwesome]

What did everyone think of Nervous Man in a Four Dollar Room? Watch more Twilight-Tober Zone here - bit.ly/TwilightToberZone Follow Walter on Twitter - twitter.com/Awesome_Walter Follow us on Twitch - www.twitch.tv/channelawesome

[@trinaq]

I really liked it, and a rare example of an upbeat ending in the Twilight Zone!

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

One of my favorites of S2. Joe Mantell's performance is a triumph, especially since he not only has to play two roles, but has to hold the audience's attention all by himself. I'm quite fond of that "Shatterday" segment from the 80s "TZ" as well and not just because it's recorded proof Bruce Willis had hair once. ;)

[@Lesley_RedRhody]

I’ve never seen Nervous Man In A Four Dollar Room before, but it’s definitely on my catch-up list. Also, I love what you guys are doing with Demo Reel! Talk about Nostalgia!! And this (10:18) was especially clever! 💚🤗🤗💚

[@ThePkmnYPerson]

I remember being entertained by it when I saw it, but I honestly think I might like the Jim Jarosz version better.

[@narayanafry3314]

God your skits suck. Great content otherwise.

[@TetsuShima]

And think Serling created this awesome episode just because they told him to write a low budget story. That man was such a LEGEND

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

In hindsight, it's interesting to note how many episodes had limited casts or locations simply because of that budget concern. And yet still they ended up being compelling stories.

[@wjzav1971]

@@geoffreyfyfe2248 Happens a lot in TV actually. TV Tropes names the concept "Bottle Episode" where due to budget limitations, an episode has to take place at only one location with little to no effects. To make up for the limits, writers are forced to write their heart out and make awesome dialogue and plot only through talking. In some cases, it works and produces legendary TV.

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

@@wjzav1971 To quote "Community": "Screw you, I'm doing a bottle episode!'

[@shannonmcelroy8454]

When life gives you lemons, make lemon meringue pie!

[@michaelcanty4940]

James T. Aubrey was the president of CBS. He largely filled the schedule with programs like Gilligan's Island, The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres and Petticoat Junction. Lower costs due to limited sets and limited casts. Perry Mason faced the same demands for reduced budgets.

[@ComicalRealm]

Fun fact: After the success of The Twilight Zone, writer Rod Serling went on to spearhead another TV anthology series, Night Gallery. For the pilot episode of Night Gallery, which aired in 1969, Serling hired a young director by the name of Steven Spielberg. This big break sent Spielberg on his way to becoming the legend we know him as today.

[@anubusx]

Never knew that cheers.

[@Brenda-cg1px]

Spielberg also directed a segment in the Twilight Zone movie.

[@kfUNC1]

I love Night Gallery, vintage 1970s horror/suspense.

[@judeisurufernando674]

@@Brenda-cg1px Spielberg also directed the pilot of Columbo.

[@Watcher3223]

@@Brenda-cg1px _"Spielberg also directed a segment in the Twilight Zone movie."_ It was also, unfortunately, the movie that led to the end of a friendship between Steven Spielberg and John Landis following a grisly production accident that killed Vic Morrow and two child actors.

[@claytonrios1]

This was done in one room to cut costs? You can reduce Serlings budget and he'll still find his way around it to make something amazing apparently.

[@LucyLioness100]

The man could practically do anything!

[@dynomar11]

We're doing a bottle episode

[@austinmasoni1896]

@@dynomar11 and it was still great

[@luvpants2012]

My favorite episode!

[@Unownshipper]

I'm realizing that The Twilight Zone must be a gold mine for actors looking to do a scene study. Like "Where Is Everybody," "Time Enough at Last," "The Hitchhiker" or "King Nine Will Not Return," this is a perfect opportunity to let a talented actor just give all they've got. Mantell steals the show, but I really enjoyed that long take at 5:55, it's a great performance Gordon gives.

[@eliben4066]

This episode was probably the most relatable to me. I’m a pretty quiet and anxious dude, but inside me, there is this voice, promising me a better life, if I’m more confident

[@matthewbuckley7757]

I understand, I get anxious and I overthink things. But part of me is telling me the same thing my family and friends are saying to not worry and I should always be proud of who I am. I hope you are doing well 😊

[@eliben4066]

@@matthewbuckley7757 Thanks, recently, I’ve been gaining more confidence and humor. Still far away from having a girlfriend, but I’m making progress. Hope you’re overcoming your social insecurity (I’m assuming that’s what it is) as well, it definitely feels good

[@matthewbuckley7757]

@@eliben4066 Thank you for the support and it’s good you are doing well 😊

[@thewierdoneout]

If it's any help, I find the channel Charisma on Command really helps me. The titles can be a little misleading like "How to be The Alpha in Any Room" while focusing on how to be empathetic (which does make you more assertive paradoxically), but that's just one of the many things I love about it.

[@trinaq]

I can't wait until Walter gets to "Five Characters in Search of an Exit". It's also a character driven story which mainly takes place in only one location. The twist is very memorable, and excellently executed!

[@Samuel_Freakin_Adams]

I love stories about strangers stuck in a mysterious location have to be clever and figure a way out. Cube, Exam, this episode. It’s a niche genre.

[@jeffn4836]

That was the first episode I ever saw as a child. Finding out the 5 of them were........... what is revealed, was shocking to me as a kid.

[@carlocalderon3659]

Toy Story?

[@matthewesposito7454]

That’s one of my favorites

[@jeffn4836]

@@carlocalderon3659 Lol

[@wstine79]

Jay's days will always SPARKLE SPARKLE SPARKLE.... in the Twilight-tober Zone.

[@silverstarlightproductions1292]

F*ck yeah, sparkle, sparkle, sparkle!

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

Joe Mantell had a very long career as a character actor, but he's probably best known for one all-time great final line in a movie. "Forget it Jake, it's Chinatown."

[@rogue7723]

Was he also Juror 3 in the film adaptation of _12 Angry Men?_

[@strangebrew1231]

@@rogue7723no that’s Lee J Cobb

[@rogue7723]

@@strangebrew1231 Oh ok thanks

[@KRG658]

Man I am loving these Demo Reel intros and outros.

[@Gojiro7]

oohh!! that ending narration that didn't get used gave me shivers, im shocked that was passed over!!

[@ronaldeliascorderocalles]

Twilight Zone is the one show I think new filmmakers should watch when trying to create short films. They could create great stories with little money.

[@trinaq]

Precisely, it's pretty fantastic, and is an iconic show for a reason!

[@TetsuShima]

This episode should have been called: *The Virgin Jackie VS The Chad John*

[@Chaos89P]

I don't think the Hays Code would've allowed for "virgin."

[@stone-hand]

Also, I think that John would be more likely to be virgin than Jack - this latter is more likely to, say, have a meaningless one stand or hire a whore just to get rid of the v moniker, while the second should be self-reassured enough to wait for a relationship worth the name.

[@ThenewTchannel]

So last year's theme was isolation, and now the theme is past lives and how they can haunt us. I like that

[@elder-woodsilverstein7716]

One of my all time favorite episodes. I usually love isolation stories. Movies like the lighthouse, 12 angry men, and, funny enough, another Twilight Zone episode, five characters in search of an exit. Those types of stories about a charcter, or characters, being isolated in one place, leaving nothing else except character development. It is a style of storytelling that teaches us that, sometimes, that's all you need. I enjoyed your speculation, and look forward to more.

[@MrAwesome191]

I like how demo reel is medium they do all the twilight zone segments in, it's nice they can make fun of themselves a bit

[@brandonprater4613]

I once had this very idea for a horror flick. I knew it wasn't my own idea, but I could NEVER remember the reference. A sincere *thank you* for this trip down repressed memory lane!

[@claratalbot7613]

I can't wait for the Eye of the Beholder. It's my favorite episode of season 2

[@yukimikasaki9705]

I heartily agree, Walter,; this IS an awesome episode. From Serling's traditional presentation of the helpless, purposeless loser we meet in so many of his scripts, and Jackie Rhodes is a perfect example of the luckless folk of the Zone. From the split screen direction of Douglas Heyes (My favorite Zone director) together with the genius of George T. Clemens, the downtrodden atmosphere, and both Joe Mantell and William D. Gordon as the cat vs mouse duo in the cockpit of this episode, this is a much better episode than many give it credit for. Jackie, half vulture, half mouse living in constant fear, and no purpose as an F.W. Woolworth hood, and George, a dangerous, and as seen in his violent outbursts with Jackie, creepy in the way of how his eyes bulge. They make the gruesomeness of the mob king. George, as played by William D. Gordon, is a character a long distance from the sensitive Dr. Bernardi (Eye Of the Beholder). Another masterpiece, credited to Serling, and Doug Heyes, who was the front man behind the most riveting episodes, and had two more unforgettable ones right down the line. Walter, you and I are probably two of THE die-hard fans of the Twilight Zone. I have every episode on DVD, and original collectible short story books from out of the sixties.

[@yukimikasaki9705]

I meant rear projection, Walter, not split screen. A thousand pardons. And, one MORE most remembered thing about the episode, Jerry Goldsmith's scissors ✂️ ticking, rhythmic music score.

[@slots777]

The way they are building up some of these "parody" moments, there's probably some big finale episode coming.

[@juliannagoodwin2875]

Okay but Jim needs to act more in the nostalgia critic episodes. I don’t think we give his acting talent as much attention as his makeup and set design stuff.

[@kristenannear7110]

I remember forst seeing jim when they reviewed board games, and Jim was so funny

[@aoifemcneill3714]

@@rogue7723 Nah, it's a terrible accent, just basing off racist stereotypes. Also, the bit about the IRA? Should be ashamed of themselves. Wonder if they would do the same if it was someone from the middle East and say that they're part of IS. People need to stop getting away with this

[@random22026]

YOWZA, This episode had everything! Tour de force performances from Walter and Jim; an amazing TZ review; and an interesting reflective cameo by Doug at 10:18. Fodder for thought, indeed!

[@speedbumpchump6388]

Or do you mean "Donnie?"

[@random22026]

@@speedbumpchump6388 I suppose I mean ... both.

[@melissadahl7561]

I admit I had to read the summary to really get what this was about but I really like it (and am going to actually watch it all the way through. An interesting psychological study. And I am so glad, as you said in the video, that the good, confident successful part of Jackie gets out and allows him to better himself. That's a really good way to go.

[@JTS1128]

Finally Twilight-Tober has come back…home.

[@Nargon46]

2008 Doctor Who episode 'Midnight' had a similar situation. It was in the slot in the last half of the season that had to be on a smaller budget to save up for the blowout season finale. So they set it in a small, one room vehicle with no windows, with only a few other cast members, and a terrifying monster that is never seen. Yet it is one of the best episodes of Doctor Who ever made. The creature, whatever it is, is one of the scariest villains in Who, the performances of the terrified civilians trapped in the transport are phenomenal, and it ends on such a bittersweet note. Great storytelling doesn't need a huge budget or complicated sets. Just a good idea amd some excellent performers.

[@matthewmcshane399]

I think this is one of the best episodes I've seen of the show

[@sustelsuk]

More demo reel stuff, heaven an anniversary spectacular

[@Feralwolf444]

So, so far we have seen Rob, Malcolm, and now Jim, all meeting their long lost characters from the old Demo Reels series. We have a neat theme! I love how the whole season is one long ongoing story.

[@evelynmontez3565]

Joe mantell so incredible. I watch Marty over and over to watch him.

[@floppsymoppsy5969]

Dude, great rendition of the episode at the end there... mwah chef's kiss 💋

[@oblivionslefthand]

10:17 If this month doesn't end with a new episode of Demo Reel, I will be sad. Really enjoying the running theme this time around.

[@roguebritgravy1]

I'm loving these references to the plot and episode in these Twilight Sketches.

[@HououMinamino]

This is a brilliant episode with a great ending.

[@Merit2397]

"Nervos Man In A Four Dollar" room is just a great introspection of Jackie Roads's character and his underlying desire to be something more. All caught on a reflected mirror. Love the back projection they used to make this both convincing and effective. Truly a standout in the series and just might be my favorite episode of season 2.

[@v1de0gamr23]

I feel like this episode would make a good one-act stage play for a pair of identical twins.

[@YolandaAnneBrown95726]

"Shatterday" was at the start of Bruce Willis's career. He was known for "Moonlighting" at the time, but you could see his dramatic potential in the episode. It's still a great episode of the TZ 80s reboot.

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

It's based on a Harlan Ellison story, but it feels very much like a spiritual successor to "Nervous Man." In both cases the doppelganger is the character's hidden better half taking control before it's too late.

[@Abbojnr]

Noticing a thing with all the Demo Reel characters being in colour,

[@miroslavtomic7038]

While Taxi Driver and Dirty Harry are often credited with inventing the famous line "You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me?" it was actually done for the first time by Joe Mantell in this episode and was created by Rod Serling himself in the script.

[@historylover]

This is a great one. It's one of my favorite episodes

[@alexanderklepp]

These skits all have a connection to Demo Reel. I wonder what it's building up to. I really enjoy watching Jim.

[@TheCreepypro]

I forgot how good this is funny how the limitations put on them bred such artistry

[@Sam-zb9rj]

Wow that was incredible

[@beeclan50]

This is going great. I love this

[@KyleRobots]

I do find it funny that the real horror of this Twilightober Zone is the return of Demo Reel

[@jacksampsonforever]

Jim IS the real talent on this channel

[@wjzav1971]

I love it when writers are tasked with saving a budgets and they write some of the most profound TV ever with a simple set and some actors talking to each other.

[@diamondstuddedpunchingbag4718]

Oo...I liked that original quote from the narrator!! Very good!!

[@munchcat]

I have never seen this episode before! I love this ending

[@tpayne1606]

Got to be honest, started watching after the whole Demo Reel series was already finished. Didn't really know what it was for a long while. When I finally watched it I actually thought it was good. Not groundbreaking but the characters were really funny and enjoyable. So it's interesting for me to see them revisit it.

[@mirzahadzimesic]

One of my favorite episodes

[@maplebob23]

This is one of my favorite episodes and the one that comes back to me in my times of shame and uncertainty.

[@bobrbw]

I do wanna say, this has to be the best example of less is more I’ve ever seen. And I normally hate that saying. The entire thing was made with just one actor and in only one room, and that’s so impressive to me.

[@miguelbosque]

Loving this twilight tober zoner

[@matthewbuckley7757]

Definitely going to give this episode a watch on Hulu

[@MrJessiesammakia]

This remains me of married with chidern when bud was fighting himself in the basement

[@KaiObelisk]

11:18, Donnie is the frame for a just a second. They are doing something with Demo Reel for this, can't imagine what though. Demo Reel was cancelled for a reason (no offense to channel awesome, it wasn't very good). Interesting to see what they are doing with this.

[@EternalKHFan0]

I think you mean 10:18

[@artsman412]

As someone who watched the show WAY afer it had been cancelled, I kinda have mixed feelings on Demo Reel. On the one hand, I'm glad they went back to Nostalgia Critic rather than keep that show going. On the other hand, I kinda like it as a short, stand alone series. They all did a good job making it, and while not as good as NC, I still enjoyed it as an experimental show. Honestly, the first 2 episodes with the Batman movies I actually thought were pretty good; though I will admit that is as good as the show gets review wise. I'm definitely glad Doug decided to bring the Critic back, but I do think the show isn't nearly as bad as some people think.

[@BrandontheBeldam2993]

Imagine the conversations that could be had if our reflections could speak back to us? After all, who knows us better than ourselves?

[@Chaos89P]

Great, and surprising, use of color this episode.

[@thomashugus5686]

Brilliant episode! Serling was a genius!!

[@cianparkinson9605]

This episode might be even more interesting since it was filmed in one room. To think that they did that mainly for budgetary reasons

[@justsomeokami8867]

One of my favorite episodes 💕

[@FatNorthernBigot]

It just goes to show... talent > budget.

[@petervitti9]

I love this episode. Such a happy ending.

[@DerkMiester]

One of my favorites too!

[@heidifedor]

This was sort of redone in an episode of Married With Children. Bud’s alter ego takes over Bud’s body after he keeps failing with women.

[@milestrombley1466]

The confidence has conquered the weak!

[@miroslavtomic7038]

Jackie's reflection in a mirror has come to life and much of the episode is a confrontation between the character and his reflection - although they made an effort to reverse the image (the reflection wears his watch on the opposite hand and he bites his fingernails with the opposite hand) they forgot to reverse the buttons on his shirt.

[@TheMadwomen]

I find it interesting how the Demo Reel characters slowly become full of color. Not to mention Doug's character making blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearences. Interesting...

[@FindingMyself90]

This recap is helping and really a great introspective tale everyone needs

[@WasabiSniffer]

Oh Jim. He’s like our Chewbacca. Great support, dependable, and it would absolutely fall apart without him

[@43nostromo]

The percussive elements to Goldsmith's score were just amazing. Given the limited budget and unbelievable time constraints, it is a wonder that he even managed to complete any semblance of a musical score. But, as always, he manages to hit a home run.

[@wompstopm123]

i just love the phrase "mind who you are shaving tomorrow"

[@Boobalopbop]

I love this episode

[@miroslavtomic7038]

Famous composer Jerry Goldsmith composed music for this episode. 13 years later, Goldsmith also composed music for the movie Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson. Both this episode and Chinatown featured Joe Mantell.

[@billygnosis6976]

All time favorite TZ episode.....hands down

[@lukeharbolt7681]

I agree one of my top 20ish episodes of all time.

[@ChrisNeufeldMusic]

If all these sketches in this year’s Twilight-Tober Zone have something to do with Demo Reel, I can take it. I’m along for the ride, I guess…

[@dabestyoutube5433]

Funnily enough the rear projection effect being hurt by the HD transfer actually works in adding an other worldly ethereal feel to the sequence.

[@jessetorres8738]

In case anyone is curious, $4 in 1960 would be about $36 in 2021.

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

That's what I figured. It had to be a budget level hotel by 1960 standards.

[@ImperfectXIII]

Easily one of the season 2's best, and one of the best in the whole series.

[@someguythatlookslikeme8306]

This is a great story for anyone who has faced their own end, in a cheap room, and made it out. Choices.

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

What impressed me about this episode was the timing of the actor talking to his pre-filmed alter ego. Timing is everything in a comedy, and if is off, there is no laugh. This was anything but a comedy, but the timing to make it believable was absolutely critical, and the actor did a great job. I can't find anything wrong about this episode, the sense of desperation, the claustrophobia, the hopelessness, the sense of being trapped with no way out, the fact that he made every line work despite Rod Serling's tendency to be way too melodramatic in his writing, and the surprisingly hopeful ending. This may be the best episode of the series. (Though I will always have a soft spot for Agnes Moorehead's tortured performance as the hapless woman in The Invaders). The actor should have been nominated for an Emmy for this, and it's a crime if he wasn't.

[@jlev1028]

I often struggle with my own reflections. There have been points where I wasn't confidant enough to do what needs to be done.

[@matthewflugstad8023]

Let's call this season the revenge of demo reel because all skits this season connect back to it, have splashes of color on the characters while it's all still in black and white, and the lead being taken over by the character

[@Themanintheredcoat]

There’s gotta be a reason for this man references to Demo Reel

[@justlikebck5162]

It’s sad no anthology series can hold up to a show nearly 50 years old or older !!!

[@strangebrew1231]

Black mirror tried at first, it sucks now

[@chrisazylum6624]

Interesting episode! Next time A Thing About Machines!

[@Baggytrousers27]

Always loved the body sharing/Two minds talk trope. Helps dsitract me from my crippling loneliness.

[@christopheredwards788]

Serling is a genius.

[@Boltizar49]

Plot twist: James was actually struggling with the urge to play FF6 on that mini SNES.

[@Tell-lie-vision]

Just watched this episode and this is mostly true for me because anxiety is ruining my life.... I wish I had someone take over for me....

[@moealbert7339]

An interesting footnote.His mob boss was the same actor that played the head Dr.on the episode, Eye Of The Beholder.

[@ingeborg-anne]

Really starting to creep me out how Nostalgia Critic's in the background of the Channel Awesome segments.

[@bdpickett]

I'm interested in how this Demo Reel tie-in plays out.

[@mleighqs]

I like how this episode ends. Also similarly I got major Two face and 1408 vibes from this. Maybe those creators took some inspiration from this :)

[@williamcrowe2576]

Amazing how you can accomplish with a green screen nowadays what could only be accomplished back then with a rear projection screen.

[@andrewcozzini8259]

Another great season 2 episode! Minimal, but effective.

[@Spikey_Spike]

10:18, Am I the only one who noticed Demo Reel Doug in the TV Screen?

[@heyitscj7726]

Idk why, but I really wanna see Dad Walker be in one of the opening sketches

[@julieporter7805]

Limited bottle episode but very well done, particularly Joe Mantell as John/Jackie So uh...is Demo Reel coming back?