Shadow Play - Twilight-Tober Zone

[@ericjanssen394]

Gotta admit, Dennis Weaver dragged away shouting “No, no, you can’t kill me AGAIN!” is one of the grabbiest opening teases to an episode before Rod walks out. Without Weaver’s performance, it’d all be an intellectual exercise, but the fact that we feel for him makes the twist ending sting.

[@trinaq]

True, Weaver was fantastic in the lead role, as even though he plays a criminal, he still comes across as charismatic and likable, especially towards the bitter end.

[@theshepdawg6809]

The worst part about Twilight-Tober Zone: It stops at the end of October. :(

[@racheljackson4428]

that's the whole point.

[@simval84]

I have to say, the effect of Doug suddenly growing old at 9:29 is pretty impressive, even if I guess the effect is simply that he wore makeup to age him and you blurred his face in post-production until the reveal, so we didn't notice the makeup. It still works great. Shows how simple practical tricks can still achieve great results.

[@profdracko]

I think it was better than that. Since they're filming in monochrome there's an old trick using red and blue lights and makeup so that changing the lighting changes what parts of the face are more shadowed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3m0i6dno6Zgl6M

[@VJK102]

Or the same trick Twilight Zone used, with the makeup that only appears under green light

[@cdorman11]

As mentioned in the review of "Long Live Walter Jameson" kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ6ac5xnYrSde7c

[@SweenyTodd98]

9:34 Holy crap that transition to old Doug is incredible! Also even though we didn't see Rachel it was still nice to hear her voice again even if it was legitimately intimidating.

[@VJK102]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they used the same trick Twilight Zone used with the makeup that only appears under green light

[@Kiku91]

Considering Walter loved the effect from season 1 “Long Live Walter Jameson” I wonder if they used a similar transition with light and makeup.

[@MDWolfe-ks5fu]

One of the oldest effects tricks in cinema history; makeup and colored lighting. An oldie but still a goodie.

[@TheMadwomen]

@@VJK102 A KZbin story they posted confirmed that was exactly what they did.

[@HououMinamino]

I have a hard time watching this episode, because it is so heart-wrenching. Weaver is stuck in his own personal Hell. I almost do wonder if he actually IS in Hell, and this is his punishment. Honestly, I actually hope for the coma theory, since it offers a glimmer of hope that one day, he will just wake up from this recurring nightmare.

[@MacNava]

The way you tied all of the live skits of the Twilight-Tober zone together at the end was absolutely brilliant!

[@trinaq]

Agreed, the build up was so skillful, and I loved how they all paid off in the final episode!

[@Olivia_Dreamrider]

I freaked when I realized, so smart and inventive

[@trinaq]

This was a brilliant episode, and I love how we're placed in the same position as the supporting characters, apprehensive as to whether Adam is telling the truth or not, until the very end. Talk about a darker version of "Groundhog Day!"

[@David-nq8cv]

For groundhog day, the main character had to relive that day for 40 years

[@IfOUGHTpIRANHAz]

The second season of Peele’s TZ has a fantastic episode that is a twist on Groundhog Day. It stars Topher Grace. Can’t recommend that specific episode high enough.

[@crungass]

I cannot understate how much i love this series. I can't wait until next years Twilight-ober Zone.

[@ChannelAwesome]

Thanks for watching!!

[@trinaq]

Me neither, while I'm sad that it's over for another year, at least we know it'll be running until at least 2024!

[@gameofpwns1165]

*overstate lol, but we all get you. Agreed!

[@crungass]

@@gameofpwns1165 you right lol

[@van8ryan]

I was probably one of the handful that enjoyed DEMO REEL so it's cool getting this little nod back (and WOW, that "Old Age" effect was GREAT!!)

[@brandonspain12345]

It's kinda nice to see Doug be self-aware of the disater of the Demo Reel and poke fun of himself that he's dammed to be Nostalgia Critic while struggling to out run from his previous failed experimental vids as what many claimed. Which is very brave bold for him to do that I have to respect.

[@wjzav1971]

Doug is really heart-broken that his one attempt at making real art was hated by everyone, including his most loyal fans. And he is now forced to continue on a persona which he has grown to hate, but is the only thing that will put food on the table and allow him to work a LITTLE creatively.

[@sickboy7104]

@@wjzav1971 Yeah. These skits have felt just like The Review Must Go On, but in reverse. They could be seen as an ironic subtextual expression of his true feelings about NC.

[@brentparker7359]

@@wjzav1971 I understand that Doug would be disappointed in the failure of "Demo Reel" and I can see where playing the same character for so many years might get tiresome. However, I'm confused by the description of "Demo Reel" as "real art" in comparison to "The Nostalgia Critic." To me, there is more art in a funny episode of "NC" than there was in anything I watched in "Demo Reel."

[@brandonspain12345]

@@brentparker7359 I also remember hearing Doug saying he still enjoys playing Nostalgia Critic even years later and if he really didn't, he would've done it years ago.

[@lupinthenerd439]

@@brandonspain12345 ^ this! I never got why everyone still try to paint this tragic story of Doug being trapped in his own character when he said multiple times that he enjoys working as tge NC. Its just food for pretencious video essayists

[@trinaq]

What a perfect episode to end this year's Twilight Tober Zone on! Walter has brilliant knowledge of this series, and I can't wait to re-enter his spooky zone next October! 🎃🦇👻

[@daniellavaladez7820]

Me neither, I love this series so much!

[@RegginaldRiglet]

Why do we have to waittttttt

[@jordanhunter3375]

9:37 Man, that transition! Walter sure picked up a few tricks from the Twilight crew.

[@shainewhite2781]

Happy Halloween guys, thanks for the videos! Can't wait for next year!

[@Bulbasaur617]

Well. Looks like this is the last Twilight Zone review for this year. Hope to see this again next year. Happy Halloween!

[@richewilson6394]

Nice makeup job and transition. My favorite part is when Doug's trying to get into the room and sees the body on the floor then screams.

[@johnanderson5558]

Looking forward to next years Twilight-tober Zone, especially some favorite hour-long episodes. Thank you so much for a passionate, intelligent, and well-crafted discussion about one of the greatest TV shows ever made.

[@ChannelAwesome]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!!

[@aaronp.9565]

Fantastic way to end this season, using the same makeup-lighting switch described in an earlier episode to age Doug like that was just *chef's kiss*

[@robo-nidai4236]

They actually did a remake of this episode in the 80's series. From what I've seen, the biggest difference between the two stories were how the characters reacted to the situation. For example, Adam Grant in the 80's version seemed more casual about the situation, as if he's been through the scenario so many times it no longer affects him.

[@willhiggins9563]

Love this series. It’s so much fun learning about this classic TV show. Can’t wait til next year.

[@ChannelAwesome]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@brianfuller757]

This is an awesome episode and a great example of what original Twilight Zone really could bring.

[@TheAvram25]

Perchance to Dream into the Bat-May and Twilight-Tober Zone was pretty much a perchance to dream about being here or not in a confusing way. Twilight-Tober Zone of this year was pretty great. The most known Twilight Zone theme composed by Marius Constant is also very catchy for the series.

[@averageant7173]

Shadow play was one of the most impressive Twilight Zone episodes in respect to writing and acting. Soooooo ahead of its time and a chilling story to boot

[@wstine79]

Looks like we have to close the door on Twilight-tober Zone. Can't wait to venture back next year.

[@ChannelAwesome]

Same time, same place!

[@ChannelAwesome]

Happy Halloween!! Hope everyone enjoyed this year's Twilight-Tober Zone! What was your favorite episode of the season? 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]

Thanks so much for enlightening us with this fabulous retrospective series, Walter! After Hours or Shadow Play would have to be some of my favourites!

[@jessetorres8738]

2 years and 1 and half seasons down, 3 years and 3 and a half more seasons to go.

[@daniellavaladez7820]

Thank you so much for this awesome series, Walter! I love it so much and I can’t wait for next year’s series! I also look forward to seeing a lot of the episodes you covered this year. The Howling Man and Eye of the Beholder are probably some of my favorite episodes!

[@slyfox2022]

This has been an awesome month thanks Walter

[@sickboy7104]

After Hours

[@The_RedVIII]

These videos are pretty much the only reason I'm still subscribed to this channel. It's a shame we have to wait another year for more.

[@TheMadwomen]

Wow. Great review, great acting, great special effects, great ending(?), and just all around great.

[@ChannelAwesome]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Unownshipper]

This really is one of the A-tier level episodes. It may have a similar theme with "Perchance to Dream," but I found this one far more entertaining and memorable. Something about that episode, it felt too small scale. It's success lived and died on the strength of Richard Conte, while this one had more strings to add to its bow. Maybe that's not it... A lot of "Perchance" felt like a large lead-up not to a twist, but rather to a punchline. Here we feel the stakes and anxiety Grant feels because he's living the experience again, not merely retelling it the way Conte's character was in "Perchance." It's tense, it's mysterious, and both the acting and the technical skill on display in this episode is of a high calibre. I was engrossed from the first scene as the lights slowly came up one by one. One thing that bugs me is that this episode seems to poke a pretty sizable hole in my theory that the "Twilight Zone," whatever force or entity it may be, is not cruel simply impassive. I think I arrived at this conclusion in "The After Hours" and it's been pretty consistently true. There have been episodes where the protagonist struggle and strain to face death, truth, the universe, or the actions of their peers, but by and large it didn't seem like a higher power was sent to make the innocent's lives miserable. That's not the case here. Why is Grant being subjected to the pain of repeated electrocution again and again every night? This feels different from "Judgement Night" where Carl Lanser is made to suffer for the unforgivable sins he committed in life. We're given no indication that Grant is actually guilty of the crime he's accused of, we just focus on his punishment and the loop he must repeat. This feels like a mistake to me, a deviation from the ethos of the Twilight Zone or a missed opportunity to make a comment about capital punishment. Maybe I'm overthinking it or maybe just morning the crack in my hypothesis. Who's to say? My only other thought: "Shadow Play" feels like a weak title for this episode. It just doesn't sound very powerful or relevant; yes we open in shadows, yes Grant knows all the lines and movements of the "characters" he interacts with, but none of that's really the point here. It might be better used as the title for an episode with a theme like "A World of Difference" or "A World of His Own." However, I actually love those titles for those specific episodes, so... I don't know. Just a feeling I'm left with.

[@MrEandc4life]

That walking while turning into an old man. Amazing effect truly freaky

[@callmepete4398]

Hands down one of the best material on this channel

[@SunnysFilms]

That sudden aging effect was AMAZING. Thank you for another awesome season of Twilight-ober-Zone!!

[@ErzengelDesLichtes]

“Isn’t it time for a reboot?” I must admit, I’m a little curious if Demo Reel would be better now that they’ve had more experience with scripted scenes.

[@Chaosgummi]

And just like that twilight-tober zone is over. What a great episode to end on. See ya in May Walter.

[@ingeborg-anne]

9:36 Oh that's SO clever. I see what you did there! You used the green/red light trick that made Doug look old in an instant!

[@bdillmore40]

Fantastic Twilight-Tober Zone for this year! Can't wait until next year's!

[@davidfroelich3109]

I love this series, I've been watching the Twilight Zone on my own time and I enjoy the indepth details of each of these episodes. Cant wait till next October.

[@ChannelAwesome]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JackKirbyFan]

It's not fair. I want more! I have to wait till BatMay for another review list. Sigh. I loved this one episode and that was one of my favorite episodes of the series and he summed it up perfectly - without having any context, this episode makes you really feel for him. Perfect.

[@PerfectCell9]

It’s gunna be a long year waiting for this to start back up again .. love this series soo much great job guys !

[@TheCreepypro]

a great finale to a fantastic month props to walter and the crew

[@randersonctr77]

Can't wait for October this year!!!!

[@Hapasan808]

9:39 That transformation! That got me good! Classic technique!

[@Enterthedarkness23]

Shadow Play is one of the all time classics of the franchise. Perfect that it happen to land on the last episode for this year's Twilight-Tober Zone! I loved how all of this year's skit connected together with this final one. Great stuff and I can't wait for next October! As we once again, travel to the fifth dimension!

[@pkmntrainermark8881]

Well, that's another Twilight-Tober Zone over. Looking forward to next year already.

[@richardkorpel3251]

Thank you so much for doing these. View count doesn't matter as much as the really nice and smart community around these that form in the comments. The passion of film shines through everywhere.

[@justinenulam]

Thanks for another great month Walter! See you in may!

[@kurtdenter1799]

That age-effect - perfect!

[@johnnybravox909]

Cant wait for next Twilight-Tober Zone 🙏🏼

[@chrisazylum6624]

I remember watching this episode as a kid! So long Twilight-Tober Zone!

[@Anthintendo]

Happy Twilight-Tober everybody. I hope the whole channel had a ton of fun putting this together, and I can’t wait for next year.

[@sitrepproductionsatlanta8538]

Brilliantly hilarious touch of having Doug run away and completely IGNORE THE EXIT DOOR BEHIND HIM!!! 🤣

[@Sam-zb9rj]

CANT WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR

[@EGOS42]

Whoah, you all really nailed that old man transformation. Very nice!

[@random22026]

9:36 WOW! 'Shadow Play' indeed! Photographic chiaroscuro suitable for framing! And how did you do that seamless aging moment? Remarkable Demo Reels...the colourful Critical Players get a Standing Ovation from me! Happy Hallowe'en, everyone! 🎃

[@liam-no2kn]

Happy Halloween guys! Thanks for another amazing month!

[@ChannelAwesome]

Happy Halloween!!

[@melissacooper4282]

I enjoyed watching these reviews of The Twilight Zone. I hope to see you next year!

[@alexixeno4223]

That bookend was beautifully done

[@Nasser851000]

Thanks for all the scares. Cant wait for next year's Twilight-Tober Zone :)

[@gafrers]

It has been another amazing month of Walter content. Thank You Walter

[@jasonludewig4126]

Love the Twilight-Tober Zone! I'm sure it wouldn't be as popular and there is a lot more Twilight Zone to cover but man would l love to see an "October Limits" for the 1960s Outer Limits series one day too!

[@Nanoaiello]

ths series has made October even better! i hope you could do it all year !

[@Brenda-cg1px]

Thank you for another great Twilight-Tober Zone! Looking forward to Season 3 next year!

[@Chaosfox04]

I'm going to miss that Twist sound. Looking forward to next year's Twilight tober-zone

[@nateds7326]

This is one of the only episodes that made me feel like I was actually in the twighlight zone.

[@axismic4253]

Greatest intro and outro I have ever seen from channel awesomely

[@jabbarmuhammad7529]

Thanks for showing the twilight tober zone and these great episodes

[@ChannelAwesome]

Thanks for watching!!

[@wcapewell3089]

9:34, wow, that was a fantastic effect.

[@supersanity2298]

Enjoyed the series this year. Thank you

[@strangebrew1231]

One of my absolute favorites

[@tagreene06]

One of my favorite Episodes

[@jugghead82]

This was amazing loved IT the aging effect on Doug was AWESOME

[@ThenewTchannel]

You madmen!! You created a story arc right under our noses! Well, under my nose, but still!!

[@pamlillie]

Its so bizzare to not only see great acting and direction as well as great media analysis from channel awesome in 2021 its a welcome change though

[@GBmovieluv]

All of these ones featuring the Channel Awesome cast has been wonderful

[@FreihEitner]

A great episode to end on! I hate that we must wait another 11 months for the next installment, but c'est la vie.

[@movieswithshannon]

Loved this! Great job as usual Channel Awesome! can't wait for next year!

[@darknessunknown4384]

I'm looking forward to next years Twilight-Tober Zone; especially since my one of favorite episodes will be covered that year.

[@jonathancruz207]

Nooo just realized Twilight Tober Zone is over

[@CaptainCJ97]

Thanks again for another year of this

[@ChannelAwesome]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!!

[@burns7ocn]

Absolutely great series you've made here. Perfect atmosphere and presentation for the spirt of Halloween. Can't wait for more.

[@eliojo6987]

Can I just say I loved Demo Reel, wish there was a season 2.

[@joesmutz9287]

Demo Reel Reboot Just a Twilight Zone gag? Or a hint of something more? Either way, glad to see it. Happy Halloween

[@brentparker7359]

I had my own sort of surreal Twilight-Zone-esque moment when I unwittingly reviewed Demo Reel/Nostalgia Critic cast member Rachel Tietz in a play here in California. I didn't realize it was her until I was writing the review and started filling in the cast names from the program. It blew my mind. The next time I went to see the same company, I briefly met her. She was very nice and posed for a picture with me.

[@Awelbeckk]

seeya next year

[@cdorman11]

I love your voice. And thank you for a lovely month. And thank you for expanding my appreciation of Dennis Weaver beyond Chester and McCloud. Didn't recognize him either here or in "Touch of Evil."

[@ThePa1riot]

9:33 Anyone else remember that episode of Justice League where Superman is trapped in his own worst nightmare? That’s what watching this scene is like to me.

[@galaxyskeleton]

Happy Halloween everyone!

[@trinaq]

Thanks so much, have a Spooky Halloween! 👻🎃🦇

[@ChannelAwesome]

Happy Halloween!!

[@TheRegius13]

Goodbye, Twilight-Tober Zone. Hello, crippling seasonal depression!

[@MetropolisKid]

i refuse to believe that the twilight-tober zone, is over.

[@majinsole8554]

Another great Twilight-tober.

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for this years series. :D

[@estefaniaperez-vera4600]

Remarkable episode (speaking for both the Twilight zone and the Twilight-Tober one).

[@trillo3332]

Yep. Now I gotta go watch those Demo Reels again. I was cheering out loud by the end! 🤣

[@jamesgarrett8833]

Happy Halloween everyone this was a fantastic ride this year with the Twilight Tober Zone season 2. Can’t wait next October for new episodes of the Twilight Tober Zone

[@ChannelAwesome]

Happy Halloween!!

[@Meve76]

gosh i'll miss these!!

[@andrewtodaro2874]

This was the first classic twilight zone episode I watched. The term shadow play references the allegory of the cave in book seven of Plato’s The Republic. I had a theory that Adam Grant was a mental patient in an asylum having a dangerous reoccurring dream and every time he wakes up screaming the doctors and orderlies drag him over to an electroshock therapy room!

[@ZekeStaright]

9:30 Damn, That was a good transition, the same kind of lighting and makeup from the Howling Man episode?

[@Danis8Pastry]

That aging effect of Doug was amazing.

[@DeadMoon1986]

2002 Twilight Zone brought us 'The Pool Guy': Involving an everyday pool cleaner who suddenly finds himself being murdered and then waking up suddenly in what seems like a never-ending nightmare. Also experiencing a torturous 'loop' of some kind, his view of reality becomes more and more disturbed and against him, until he discovers a shocking revelation relating to his repeated killer. I know I'm REEEEALLY grasping for similarities between the two episodes, but I couldn't help but be reminded of it after this review.

[@craigfin3222]

Need a Twilight-November Zone

[@mrwesker]

I dont wanna wait 7 months for another one of these, please do another series between now and Bat-May please 😭

[@WalterCulture]

Doug's got Disneycember in just a month! Hope that will hold you over until May!

[@mrwesker]

@@WalterCulture I suppose that will do! Thanks dude!

[@jeremytung1632]

Was this whole thing also an anniversary celebration of Demo Reel?