A Game of Pool - Twilight-Tober Zone

[@ChannelAwesome]

What did you think of A Game of Pool? Watch Twilight-Tober Zone 2021 Compilation - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKOoaoWYpdd5h9E Follow Walter on Twitter - twitter.com/Awesome_Walter Follow us on Twitch - www.twitch.tv/channelawesome

[@trinaq]

I really loved this episode, the twist ending was fantastic, and the two actors played off each other well.

[@mst3KGf]

One of the best and also one of the best examples of a bottle episode on any TV show. I think the only TZ episode like it that was better was "Nervous Man in a Four Dollar Room", as that only had one actor to work with instead of two. Oh and the ending of this episode is much better than the original ending (and the 80s version is pretty bad, especially in the performance department). It's really a treatise on how striving to be the best at something at any cost can leave you with a pretty hollow existence. As Fats says, he had a full life outside of the pool hall, while Jesse has nothing. You have to think that even after he finally surrenders the "best ever" crown, his afterlife will still be miserable as he knows nothing but pool. He doesn't have any hobbies or other interests, so methinks he won't be joining Fats in fishing.

[@melissacooper8724]

I loved this episode! Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters gave excellent performances!

[@MattsAttack9]

When is the Batman and Robin part 2 Fanscription meant to come out?

[@ThePkmnYPerson]

I wish it had a better title, but I like the episode. And it's nice that they used George Clayton Johnson's original ending in the remake. That's kinda like how Doctor Sleep (the movie) included a plot point that was in The Shining (the book) because they left it out of the first movie.

[@mst3KGf]

Two of the best acting performances in the show's history. And this showed Jonathan Winters had dramatic acting skills that he rarely got to use. Two bits of dialogue from him stick out. "Dead? Not really. As long as people talk about you, you're not really dead. As long as they speak your name, you continue. A legend doesn't die just because the man does." That line gains more weight with Winters' own passing a few years ago. "Nothing's impossible. Some things are less likely than others, that's all." That could well be "The Twilight Zone's" motto.

[@phillipmoghaddam7240]

One Piece draws on this too.

[@melissacooper8724]

In a way those words remind me of the movie Coco where Hector almost died the second time because his daughter was starting to forget him. The rest of the family had already forgotten him because they were angry at what he supposedly done to them.

[@Chris-th4kx]

Heroes get remembered but legends never die

[@gregmiller9710]

...other than an reboot 1980 episode of 'The Wild Wild West'...i haven't ANY other than this

[@melissacooper8724]

What I like about this episode is that Fats gave a valid point to Jesse as to how to live your life. Yes it's okay to love the game of pool but not to obsession. I love the ending here better than the original because it shows that even though Jesse won big he also lost due to having to spend eternity playing against everyone to keep his legacy.

[@jbcatz5]

To cite the Game of Rassilon, to lose is to win and to win is to lose. Fats stood to get something out of either winning or losing the pool game, teaching Jesse about the value of more than just an obsession, or being able to move on to a better place in his afterlife.

[@beipiaosaurus]

But by that point Jesse had already bet his life away. So he couldn't live his life in a "healthy' manner regardless.

[@melissacooper8724]

@@beipiaosaurus You have a valid point. He wasted his life away before his match with Fats and beyond. That's really sad.

[@NDMO2468]

@@melissacooper8724 you can change if you're still alive and not in a hospital bed!

[@dionruffin3996]

Jesse died years later meaning he could of lived the rest of his life being happy but I doubt he did

[@trinaq]

I immensely enjoyed the two actors and the key message that being the best at a particular skill isn't always what it's cracked up to be. The ending is bittersweet, in that while Fats can enjoy his afterlife without having to defend his title, while Jesse is stuck in a cycle of being the best.

[@dividedstatesofamerica2520]

@Brian Babin My grand life goal is to make as much people's lives a living hell as possible.

[@jbcatz5]

The emptiness obsession can cause as well. Jesse says pool has been his life since he was sixteen and that he’s forsaken all other pleasures, so assuming Jesse is in his late 30’s like his actor was, he’s wasted over half his life on something that ultimately never derived him anything in the way of pleasure, more a goal to work to and not thinking about when he reached it. In comparison Fats engaged in other activities, getting more perspective on life and pool getting joy out of everything he did. He knows the cost a reputation can bring and whether he wins or loses its a win for him. He can convince Jesse to see life beyond pool, or Jesse wins, as we see hear, and take his place so Fats can enjoy his afterlife actually enjoying it.

[@melissacooper8724]

Unfortunately in real life there are people out there who are like Jesse. I've seen them lose spouses or S.O. over their obsession with whatever interest or hobby it is.

[@colten53]

​@jbcatz5 And there's also a tragic irony in this episode's ending. When you're the best at something, it's exclusively what you're known for. Fats was the best at pool, but also had other hobbies, and a life outside the game and relationships with people. Jesse devotes his life to the game in order to be the best. That's the goal. But there is nowhere else to go when you are the best. He doesn't appear to enjoy the game he once loved. It becomes the only thing he is known for like Fats. Whether he was a good husband or a Jazz enthusiast is irrelevant to his memory. Only that he was great at billiards.

[@George-kz5hb]

My favorite part of this episode is it actually took several years for the message to sink in for me. The idea of missing out on all the wonders of this life didn’t make sense when I was 14, playing XBox and watching wrestling every night of the week. As I have grown older and experienced more I see now the point Fats Brown was making.

[@directedby100]

That's a great comparison. Yeah, today it would be becoming the best at XBox, winning at big competitions. This is worse now, but the same principle. It's when we focus on winning winning so all we live for is winning at 1 thing. And all the joy of so much else drifts by, ignored... Thanks for your comment.

[@johnstorton]

Life was so much more fun growing up in the 50s - 70s without all the "wonderful" electronics.

[@clown599]

i hope the 80' remake serie will be in the future twilight-tober zones cause there were a lot of gems

[@sarysa]

I hope it'll be put up on P+ someday. It's a bit tricky to find.

[@racheljackson4428]

it depends on if Walter reviews them.

[@trinaq]

I agree, I'd love Walter to review the 80's episodes, or even the classic Outer Limits series, if he has time.

[@hitmanmonaghan6633]

I second this.

[@UTubeSponge5601]

Well, the remake of this episode in that series is… questionable.

[@jlev1028]

I love how pool/billiards were basically the arcade machines of its heyday with players obsessed with outscoring each other and self-proclaimed champions.

[@wstine79]

Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters were fantastic in the episode. The ending twist was great.

[@trinaq]

The best episodes take place in only one location, with only a few characters. Jesse and Fats really played off each other well, with the tension really escalating.

[@mst3KGf]

This is gripping drama and great character study and it's just a couple guys in a pool hall playing each other. Jeff Winger comes in, "Screw you guys, you're doing a bottle episode!"

[@elder-woodsilverstein7716]

Isolation stories are the best. never forget that.

[@piplup2009]

@@elder-woodsilverstein7716 some people thrive when they have very little to work with, especially movie makers

[@AC-mb2kp]

My favorite episode hands down. Sometimes the scariest feeling is living to your own expectations.

[@johnstorton]

I'd like to find that out for myself.

[@JohnnyBurnes]

My favorite episode of anything. Simple, but the acting carries so much. Doesn't hurt I already loved The Odd Couple.

[@ivane5110]

What I find interesting is how when truly funny comedians play straight there's usually some hint of sadness to them. And often It feel's like it from them themselves not just the character.

[@crazyjack66]

It’s 1989. I’m 6 years old and I watch this episode. It changed my life. 2 years later I saw the remake of this episode and somehow it hit harder. These were amazing shows.

[@BlueDog241]

This is one of my all time favorite episodes of twilight zone. It's simple and I love the dialog back and forth between the two characters.

[@MoonlitLycan]

Hearing talk of the 80's Twilight Zone actually has me excited for the possibility of a future Twilight-tober Zone of that specific version of the series.

[@musicbrush9231]

I remember this episode. I was absorbed from start to finish as I usually am in the Twilight Zone.

[@YukoValis]

This and Masks were probably my favorites personally. It is the nature of competition that the greats eventually step down. But still being challenged even after dying seems like the worst kind of hell.

[@LuckyPhox-j4i]

The coolest (or maybe the scariest) part is a fact that there can be only one best player of all the time, so that means that someone will stuck in that loop of events forever

[@wjzav1971]

I find this story quite touching actually. Jesse is this underdog who is good at this one thing and so he obsesses over it. I can relate to that a bit. Fats is the more experienced guy who just enjoys pool but does not make his whole life about it. And he seems to want to teach that to Jesse. That there is more to life than being the best at something.

[@OldSoulJer]

I love this episode 😎 The legendary Jonathan Winters is my favorite comedian

[@trinaq]

Seconded, he normally played bumbling, Blue Collar types, a far cry from the suave Fats.

[@mst3KGf]

The scene in "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" where he single-handedly destroys the gas station is one of the funniest sequences of physical comedy I've ever seen. "Now you fellas better lay off or I'm gonna get sore!"

[@OldSoulJer]

@@mst3KGf One of the greatest comedies of all time

[@ericjanssen394]

In the words of Ms. Frickert, Winters’ surprise dramatic performance gave me goosebumps ALLLL over my lil’ bod-dyyy…. 👳‍♀️

[@elder-woodsilverstein7716]

Boy, I was waiting for this one. I recently became a lover of the game and I think this episode helped me realize that. Apparently, my aunt is a pool shark, so I have it in my blood. Jack Klugman, I think has become my favorite twilight zone actor. Yes, I know many people prefer Burgess Meredith, but any episode with Klugman is a winner. I love his acting, I love his range, and I even love him in other stuff, like 12 angry men. He is just great. Johnathan Winters was also wonderful. I love his wisdom and down-to-earth tone mixed in with his comedic delivery. It really gives the character a lot of dimensions. I stated before, that I love isolation stories. The stories where characters spend most of their time in one place and talk to one another. Not only that, but these characters are talking while playing Pool. It's a great setup. (Spoiler Alert for the episode) I like the ending where Jesse wins. The twist where he now has to spend eternity defending his title, where Fats gets to go fishing was great (I also love fishing). The other ending where he loses kind of takes away from Fats' fatherly advice. You think he is trying to teach Jesse lessons, but the original ending kind of makes him a jerk, and not in a good way. Also, the original ended with Jesse trying to be the best, which is what he was already trying to do. the original ending just made the whole story kind of pointless and empty. That's why I think the second ending is better. He teaches you the moral that if you try to be the best at something, you'll live the rest of your life being it. "Be careful what you wish for." I just think it gives the episode and all that talk about life more of a purpose than the other. That's why I love this episode and its message.

[@Nanoaiello]

Finally my all time favorite episode of this show, i love how they make such a deep conversation from something so simple like a game of pool

[@400KrispyKremes]

Love this episode. Phenomenal acting.

[@thriftingtonpost]

Been marathoning all of these Twilight Zone episodes; really love them, super nostalgic.

[@F1989C]

Been waiting for this one!!!! This episode is Easily in my top 5. I shoot billiards also, so that helps in me enjoying the episode... But you never ever see Jonathan Winters do serious roles.. more comedy. So he blows it out of the park with thiw performances 💯💯 and you can never ever go Wrong with Jack Klugman. Two Legends shooting a game of pool 🎱. Doesn't get better than that💯💯

[@rdfox76]

One of my all-time favorites. Part of the reason I love it is something that nobody's really mentioned---that it's an absolute *clinic* on how to make a cheap "bottle" show great, by embracing it being small and leaning into the minimalism, putting all the weight on the story and the acting. Ironically, I always forget that the main set was as detailed as it was; I tend to remember this one as very expressionistic, almost to a 1920s German cinema level. Which just goes to my point--this episode wasn't about the sets, or the setting, or the wild high-concept stuff. It was as simple and minimalist as you can get--two men competing at a simple game, all by themselves, where the stakes can't possibly be any lower... or higher. Everything else is secondary; all you need is that conflict and their interactions. Kulik could have, almost, gotten away with just using the "afterlife" set for the entire episode; the set itself is that immaterial to the story. Want proof? Quick, don't look back at the episode or the review--how many pool tables were in the pool hall set? That's right. You probably can't remember without checking. All you needed were two men, one pool table, two cues, a set of balls, and a score rail. That's all anyone will actually remember, because that's all that actually matters.

[@ronaldeliascorderocalles]

To be the best, you need to give more than everyone else. When you have given everything, what Is left for you?

[@trinaq]

Precisely, Jessie may have been the best at pool, but he paid a heavy price for it. Meanwhile, Fats is only too happy to finally relinquish his title, no longer having to work to hold onto it.

[@mindwipe8788]

This is the Episode alongside “The Howling Man” that share the #2 spot on my list of favorite Zone episodes

[@dansiciliano4506]

It's a funny thing that today I watched "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" with Jonathan Winters" on the Criterion DVD commentary with one of the commentators mentioning him in the Twilight Zone. Funny yet unbelievable, isn't it???

[@hannahmabbott7370]

I love Jack Klugman. Especially since I remember him in quincy which I recommend people watch since it can really hit hard at some points. The one thing I liked about the show the opening where he is showing a group of police officers how to do M.E work and one by one they all faint until quincy is the only one left. 😆

[@IfOUGHTpIRANHAz]

Jonathan Winters was Robin Williams’ comedy idol. Eventually Robin was in a position where he could have Winters play his alien son on Mork and Mindy.

[@melissadahl7561]

You are so right about Jonathan Winters/Fats. He has such a good role to play in this...like a sort of Clarence the guardian angel or something. I love that angle of it.

[@Next0gen0]

The different endings are both fascinating when put together for comparison. They both work within the context of the story, as the moral still hit's no matter which one it is. So it really comes down to preference. It's rare that you can get a story so good it can work in multiple different way's. I'm honestly torn between which concept I prefer. Well done to the TZ.

[@thomgage7083]

Two things about the final shot in the game. One - Jack Klugman leaped across the table and grabbed the cue ball while it was still rolling. This would result in a penalty point and loss of shot. Two - in a game of 14 ball one rack, there would never be only one playable ball on the table. When you get down to one ball the other 14 balls are reracked before the next shot.

[@ronaldeliascorderocalles]

Somewhere, sometime in Heaven: "God, you want WHAT?" "Yes, I want a pool table"

[@mst3KGf]

"We got to get it ready for when Paul Newman shows up."

[@DeltaDemon1]

I remember that, right after the 80s version played, the original played as well. It was really cool seeing them back to back. Either version works for me.

[@gregmiller9710]

..i love this episode of much i have that picture of Jon Winters as James Howard Brown on my wall behind the TV....:D

[@mudvalve]

There’s some of the best dialogue in this episode!

[@CrimsonFox36]

I loved this episode. The twist ending is a perfect "Be careful what you wish for" type of deal.

[@Version0111]

They should have used the Jessie character in the Fats roll for the 80s version. I know they couldn't use the actor but if they'd have used the character playing against a new character it would have felt more like a sequel to the original instead of a remake and the ending of not winning and being haunted by the loss would have had even more of an impact on people who'd seen both versions.

[@claytonrios1]

Pool can be far more intense than you'd think!

[@james_t_kirk]

*A bit of trivia that was left out: that the writer of this episode (George Clayton Johnson) was the co-author of the novel "Logan's Run" - which the movie was based on.*

[@sharkherogaming8242]

My fav zone episode of all time

[@betonpoorilla3680]

These rock Walter! Bat episodes and these five great dives! Thanks!

[@Dorelaxen]

Jack Klugman AND Jonathan Winters. Amazing.

[@lordsubziro2824]

This was one of my favorite episodes of The Twilight Zone and kudos to you and this channel to revisit this and many other classic episodes!!! After rewatching this, I wonder if Fats spirit expertly "loses" that game so that his spirit doesn't have to be known as the world's greatest pool player and be "forced" to accept challenges from the living for all eternity. I might be mistaken but the obsession of something this greatly might be similar to pride, which is one of the Seven Deadly Sins in most religious beliefs.

[@melissacooper8724]

I had wondered about that too. I suspected that Fats let Jesse win because he seemed relieved when Jesse took the title from him. He even warned Jesse that his victory would come at a high price.

[@bigkmoviesandgames]

Truly a great episode. And like many toilets and episodes that has a good message, which is don't get obsessed over insignificant things and forget to live your life.

[@theproplady]

I think they missed an opportunity in the 80s remake of this episode by not having it be a continuation of the original episode. Only Jack Klugman's character is the world-wise ghost and some new kid is the challenger. This time around we'd know what's in store for the challenger if he wins. A good ending would have had the kid winning and Jesse getting released from his duties to join Fats down at his fishing hole. Both Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters were alive and acting during the 80s, so it certainly could have been done.

[@soundmindbodydivine]

I never saw this episode, but I listened to it on youtube. The ending gave me real chills.

[@masterzombie161]

No exaggeration but this is my favorite story. The final speech fats gives about keeping the flame is one of the most impactful moments of my life.

[@Ytcinema18]

When I saw this episode I didn’t get the twist, but now Walter clarified, so thanks! I’m curious for the alternative endings, it sounds interesting and I might like it a lot more, but this episode is still great!

[@user-jb6ii4cw4m]

A simple yet well executed episode, my personal favorite.

[@wesleygleason5868]

I've been binge-watching these compilations. Well done, sir! I love Twilight Zone so much Thanks for the great content! 🌝👍

[@wstine79]

Johnathan Winters was an idol to Robin Williams.

[@curtisberard7831]

That twist threw me. I neverxaa this episode so I had two otherctheories. Loser dies, winner lives or Fats is kije Ckarence from It's A Wonderful Life. A guadian angel teaching this guy there's more tp life than pool abdcthus earning his wings. That twist totally blew my mind.

[@brianc9036]

I'm now 35 so not so young anymore. But I am clearly younger than than this series original viewing date. I've always loved Twilight Zone, back in the late 90s on cable TV there were XMas and New Years day marathons. Most of the episodes haven't stood the test of time. But the great ones are amazing and timeless! This one is in my personal top 3. Its why I nerd out about this series.

[@LucyLioness100]

This is like a smaller version of “The Hustler”, but with Dr. Quincy/Oscar Madison with Jonathan Winters here. Their acting really plays well off each other & I like the message that Fats tries to tell Jesse that he won’t be happy if he wins because as we see in the twist, Jesse takes the mantle

[@kevinthetruckdriver353]

If anyone remembers *The Twilight Zone Movie.* This story here would be one of the episodes I would adapted to the big screen. Especially, with a dying sport like pool. Lot's of ways to take the story into an obsession of a man who wants to be the best of something on earth but knows nothing about the consequences he chosen for himself. Love all of Jack Klugman's appearances on this series. And Jonathan Winters plays the perfect pool hustler without knowing you been had. One of my Top Ten Twilight Zone episodes.

[@verdatum]

First episode i ever saw as a little kid. This inspired me to get into pool in college and stick with it. I love the acting and teleplay, and how it shares themes but it separate from the film, The Hustler.

[@Ignoto88]

Its my favorite episode

[@charlestonchewy]

I did not see this episode with the late Jack Klugman, however I did see “The Trumpet” episode of TZ. Great episode.

[@aidanhever3369]

I can see that Jonathan Winters and Robin Williams have something in common.

[@califdad4]

I watch Twilight Zone once in a while on MeTV at 12:30 am

[@Will-Parr]

Very well presented. Congrats. Excellent acting from these two.

[@TheAsukaSoryu]

Amazing

[@ivane5110]

As a fan of westerns, this one had the same vibe for me as the numerous stories about quick draw shootists either chasing the title or now haunted by always having to be challenged for the title (sometimes both). Yet another great episode; I'll have to see the remake (especially knowing "Nero Wolfe" is in it)

[@TSimo113]

I haven't seen all the episodes, but this one is my all time favorite

[@raymondebert180]

This one of my top 5 episodes ❤

[@larryfreda5208]

This is my favorite episode

[@kinglyone7172]

This is my favorite twilight zone episode.

[@kurtkensson2059]

One of my favorite billiard collectibles is an 8 ball I have that was signed by Jonathan Winters, Jack Klugman, and George Clayton Johnson.

[@unclequack5445]

00:50 anyone else notice the 3-C billiards table in the front? I seen an article in some pool magazine that Jonathan Winters was a great player in real lfe.

[@socermomuva]

These are great thank you so much for doing these. I’m a big fan of the 80s twilight zone. Would love to see you review them.

[@miku9421]

Wait, I'm confused with the ending the original episode went with. Klugman's character was supposed to die if he lost, but he still died when he won? Or was that years later after he lived out the remainder of his life? I'd say the other ending is the better one. It's more straightforward while leaving the ending somewhat open ended. Will the cocky new guy become more toxic now that he beat the best? Or will he let it go and get an actual life like the spirit hinted for him to? It's your choice.

[@TheNotverysocial]

He lived his life, otherwise I think they'd have told us otherwise.

[@melissacooper8724]

If I remember the original ending Fats beats Jesse in the match. Jesse doesn't die because Fats explained that since Jesse lost he will be forgotten once he does die. Jesse vowed to practice day and night until he can have a rematch with Fats.

[@InvaderPlays]

Young Oscar from the odd couple!

[@LoganSewell83]

This and "Time Enough At Last" remind me of "Changing of the Guard." Fats was trying to save Jesse from his own Hell. Jesse Cardiff wasted his life being a one trick pony and really has nothing to show for it. I cannot wait to see your take on "Changing of the Guard," which looks similar to me, but the main character is saved from his own torment after realizing his hand dealt to him by the Fates.

[@crowtrobot17]

I prefer Johnson's original ending, but Klugman and Winters elevates this episode. Be careful what you wish for stories are a dime a dozen. The original script showcase the importance of rivals/mentors to get us to strive to greatness, a more unique and not over-used moral. Heck, Serling himself reused the rewrite ending with boxing instead of pool in a Night Gallery episode.

[@ramsfan0868]

"A Game of Pool" is in my top 10.

[@thomasb-o6j]

This is my 3rd favorite episode in the series, after Walking Distance, and A Stop at Willoughby.

[@KBennett77]

One of my favs.

[@milestrombley1466]

I think if the main character lost, he would learn he cannot be better than everyone. Being competitive can make people toxic. Overall, awesome episode. 😁

[@melissacooper8724]

Had Jesse lost he would've been stewing about it for the rest of his life.

[@margaretbehler4935]

I really liked both of these actors.

[@onemoremisfit]

In pool the term "hustle" means to deceitfully conceal your true skill long enough to get your mark to play you for high stakes and lose. But Fats hustled Jesse in sort of an inverted manner, where the true nature of the stakes were withheld from the mark and the mark must win for the hustle to succeed.

[@brianfuller757]

Jonathan Winters killed it in this episode. And this is my personal favourite of the four Klugman episodes.

[@miroslavtomic7038]

It was amazing to see Jonathan Winters, arguably one of the greatest comedians of all time, take on such a serious role and nail it to perfection. While Jack Klugman was heart and soul of this episode, Winters was the body.

[@TheNotverysocial]

I think I like the original story's ending, and thus the 1989 one. It had a more mentor feel to it, and encourage one to live life.

[@lmnop340]

I like the part where Walter talks over the entire episode and we didn't get a chance to observe anything for ourselves.

[@kingnaga619]

My favorite episode of the twilight zone

[@viralshadow]

Good episode. I will say that I liked the audio drama version more

[@jamesdrynan]

Winters and Klugman are superb in their roles with an uncommon chemistry that fascinates the viewer. Directed by Buzz Kulik.

[@digitaltailsmon4096]

I'll be honest I am shocked by the ending. That delivery from the dead player made me think the twist was gonna be that the champ lost to give the new guy his chance to be happy with victory and go out and do things he only wished he could have when he was alive. Especially after the clip of the guy talking about all the great things in life he didn't get to do. The other ending works well as a darker twist with addiction of being the best and the alternate ending is also good so I guess this one really could have gone anyway.

[@FizzleFX]

I will watch this and not spoil myself further EDIT: a good episode. I am streaming the series right now. Every other episode is good, others are boring (mainly those playing of 'being alone' i skip those) but there was also the infamous "guy wants to read" story which was parodied a thousand times. Like in Futurama...

[@miroslavtomic7038]

The original story ending was used in 80s TZ series.

[@MsBackstager]

Jack K always played... Jack K. Great solid pairing.

[@DatDetroitDude]

This my favorite episode. I like the 89 ending better where he loses and it ear him alive that he didn't win and is not the best

[@neonnwave1]

There is nothing wrong with being the best or wanting to be, but it's a very fragile position. It's one vs millions and all it takes is one mistake to lose that position. One of my favourite video game quotes puts it best: "There's always someone out there a little faster than you are, and sooner or later they're gonna catch up." - Need For Speed Carbon. Having the drive to become the best is okay because it's a goal you work towards. But it shouldn't be one's sole purpose in life; Obsessing over being the best isn't healthy. Billy Mitchel is obsessed with his title as the best arcade gamer and he showed the world what he'd do in order to stay relevant and remain as king... by cheating.

[@anthonydivinagracia6994]

I can't be the only one that thinks that this episode of the Twilight Zone served as an inspiration for the anime film "Death Billiards" which was the precursor to the "Death Parade" anime tv series.

[@richarddecredico6098]

only saw this episode one time, long long ago, on late-night cable channel 11 out of NYC but it had burned itself into my psyche way back then as a young teenager: the only thing that matters is participating and needing to win is for losers

[@AnimeAngel88]

From what I can see, the 61 version ending is a 'be careful what you wish for' sort of story. Cardiff is an angry old man who lets his pride become his downfall. The 89 version is a 'there's more to life than __' story. That version of Cardiff is younger with more hopeful chances to really enjoy his life, and improve his game to have that rematch. At least that's my view.

[@miroslavtomic7038]

Jonathan Winters' character is obviously presented as older and before Jack Klugman's character time. In real life, Klugman was three years older then Winters.