Twilight Zone "Examination Day"

[@lisap.1826]

This gives "don't be a smart ass" a whole new meaning.

[@sumame47]

It seems like we are getting closer and closer to a society where those who can't think for themselves are going to be valued over those who think for themselves.

[@tameimpala37]

Actually, that is already the case in South Africa.

[@Babyboffa2018]

It’s already happening

[@LowellMorgan]

Has society ever valued independent thought over cooperation?

[@naeemkhan116]

Really true.

[@MaryMartinez-xt5eb]

People who choose no to be individual are easier to fool and manipulate so, ya, a society free of "free thinkers" is preferable to one when the people question things the government does to them.

[@wtulin1970]

The tragedy here is that in the far future, we still have those shitty window blinds.

[@Costikeke]

my thoughts exactly

[@aliced7505]

...and drippy faucets...tires that go flat...arrggghh

[@sandraramosrodriguez6186]

¡Ja, ja, ja!

[@philipwelshman9609]

And that weird TV thing his parents gave him, reminds me of a gadget I had in the 1970s.

[@AaaAaa-ly3on]

The actual tragedy here that you think this bleak grim future is far!.. ;)

[@PHANTOMZ0NE]

This one gave me chills as a kid. Actually they all gave me chills as a kid. I remember being 8 years old and this episode really haunted me.

[@TheRueann4]

Me too

[@HoneysPark]

Don't worry, you were never going to do well on that test.

[@melaniesmith1313]

I would not let my eight year old watch any of these episodes, nor any of the New Outer Limits. Too many were stories where evil wins. Too many were soul crushing.

[@kenneth9874]

@@melaniesmith1313 a good preparation for today, I mean look at what's in the white house and so many other government positions

[@meesterJos]

Same here.

[@han3wmanwukong125]

Twilight Zone: "Don't do these things". Humanity: "challenge accepted"

[@julieporter7805]

Idiocracy: The Prequel. 😉

[@griffnull]

@@julieporter7805 The people in Idiocracy still value intelligence even though they don't have it.

[@margaret6839]

Literally the opposite of Idiocracy tho.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

None of this has even remotely happened mr negative

[@han3wmanwukong125]

@@user-jt5vm3mi1w you mean in real life? I dunno, maybe some of it HAS happened in real life.

[@brunoKenzer]

Government do not want critical thinkers and people of high intelligence, as they are a threat to the authoritarian system. Very prophetic episode of the twilight Zone. Authoritarianism needs people who never critically think or question the system.

[@JimboJones99]

Yea. The government want people that listen and obey to what CNN and MSNBC is telling them. Never to question the narrative.

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

You sound like a conspiracy theorist! Our overlords are benevolent, and by thinking for us they free up more of our time to do worthwhile things like watch TV and scour social media for people who question authority.

[@loyevangelists]

Democrats don't want critical thinkers and people of high intelligence

[@mrsx7944]

You're exactly right. People who use their critical thinking skills are not easy to manipulate.

[@makeittrue]

The little boy is really sweet & I like the actors playing the parents. Very ironic & sad story.

[@Sashazur]

What’s ironic about it? I swear nobody seems to know the definition of irony anymore (and get off my lawn!)

[@mrgoldendoodle-d2t]

@@Sashazur the irony of the story is that the readers are led to believe that being smart is a good thing in this situation but it ends up costing the boy his life, that is the irony and if you don’t see that, then you don’t know the definition of irony idiot

[@mrgoldendoodle-d2t]

@@Sashazurand wtf do you mean get off my lawn dumbass

[@SefuDonalBastet]

Note how many pre 1970s dystopias are today's reality....

[@matthewboyce5123]

A LOT OF TRUTH TO THAT! The government doesn't want you to be smarter than them...

[@ljshelly141]

These days a chimpanzee with dementia could outsmart all the world's governments 😆

[@Rationalific]

And these days, it's getting harder and harder to not be smarter than them.

[@markfox1545]

You're no threat, then, are you? Paranoid cretin.

[@donreefer2034]

This day is coming

[@amandaflynn5835]

GOT THAT RIGHT ✅️

[@tmccle]

That’s why you should never tell anyone your birthday wish.

[@llarmstrong783]

Well it came true....

[@otisroseboro5613]

Exactly 💯

[@whimsicalfr13]

omg shit i just realised that... i read this in school but actually watching it makes me feel really uncomfortable and disturbed

[@Leftists_are_Losers]

Never tell anyone your birthday … and you never get older !

[@mrghastblast]

Lol so true😢😂

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

Are we in the twilight zone these days? GEtting closer...

[@alexanderhicks4499]

The idea of the twilight zone was to mimic the issues of today's world and to tell cautionary tales.

[@javierhernandez215]

we are and it ain't fun

[@merlynsy7076]

Yep, we are. In a parallel world, currently there is no covid.

[@prettyhatemachine8887]

@@merlynsy7076 There isn't one here either. at least not how it's presented to you.

[@yorkhunt1251]

@@prettyhatemachine8887 How did you get to be smart with all the answers?

[@cornjobb]

remember when plasma balls on the set of a tv program would automatically indicate it was the future?

[@JordanWilliams_Link7702]

No

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

now its just plasma tvs

[@jared1964]

Ah the 90’s

[@Sashazur]

Also food and drinks are always weird unappetizing colors.

[@MYOPINION1776]

They need to have this on tv today. Show people what will happen in our future

[@oreu_ss9]

yea

[@jkvelasquez84]

It's already happened

[@jaegerbomb269]

Saw the ending coming, but by goodness it still hits hard.

[@han3wmanwukong125]

It sure does.

[@markfox1545]

Read the novella. Far superior.

[@FretlessMayhem]

@@markfox1545 Do you happen to know if the novella is the same title? I only saw the author Credit here. I’d absolutely love to read it.

[@bulldawgs456]

@@FretlessMayhem same title

[@ShpookyMetal]

@@FretlessMayhem

[@MegaCODEOFCONDUCT]

I remember seeing this in my freshman year of hs when my English teaching was introducing us to the genre of dystopian fiction... it stuck with me ever since

[@lalaj5831]

We had to read 1984, Animal Farm, Brave New World and Utopia. Scarred me for life!

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

@@lalaj5831, I've read the second and third one. How is "Utopia"? I haven't even heard of it.

[@abbycollins]

I read this short story then too, even before knowing the twilight zone covered it. was one of the things that inspired my love for fiction and short stories- now im an english major with a minor in creative writing!

[@evonnechi7029]

Wow. The ending sunk my heart into utter despair. Unthinkable.

[@otisroseboro5613]

Same here, very 😢

[@maryyoung4046]

@@otisroseboro5613 Feel the same way as you both.

[@Frankcastlepunisher74]

We are here now. The government wants idiots in power.

[@cameraman655]

With all that is happening in the educational system, this episode of the Twilight Zone always springs to mind. What was Science Fiction some 30 years ago is sadly, quickly becoming a reality. This episode should be viewed at every PTA meeting...

[@Donathon-qx8kq]

I've said it before....we are the dystopian future.,., just my opinion

[@bobbytheblade2550]

You know those in power prefer sheeple who get along, go along and don't ask too many questions.

[@SamuelBlack84]

I always ask questions

[@robertgold3868]

This is an episode based on a short story by Henry Slesar. It was also called "Examination Day." I taught the story for many years in my high school English classes.

[@Elle-lj7di]

I am close to 40 and recall learning this story in school.

[@robertgold3868]

@@Elle-lj7di It is a frightening tale since you could in a far off reality see it come true!

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

Nice. I want to check that out. I recently read the really short story, "Harrison Bergeron", which this has a similarity to.

[@Velociture]

I learnt this about 2 months ago.

[@sydney.s]

When my ELA teacher said “Examination day” I thought we had an EXAM- Not go THIS deep bro

[@BlueCatarex]

"I'd rather read. There's nothing good on TV tonight!" Man's got his priorities in order! ::D Edit: NOPE NEVERMIND NOT IN THAT SOCIETY

[@DJDrankenstein]

in the short story he opts to not read comics but instead ponder and think as he looks out the window

[@AleksisVakhoneva]

​@@DJDrankenstein who is the author of the story? I want to read it so much.

[@mishellealvarez4989]

@@AleksisVakhonevaHenry slesar

[@justchillin420]

I remember when i was in school my english teacher showed us a short film called "the lottery" it reminds me of this

[@traildoggy]

Shirley Jackson story a classic

[@justchillin420]

@@traildoggy fuck yeah dude, im gonna rewatch that right now

[@Sharpfang-lo5vv]

Ho-ly, I read that and my entire class was traumatized

[@dkyelak]

Shows like this are fantastic- short, potent and to the point. Most of the clues were also there in the beginning too. Thanks for posting this!

[@jjdaze4162]

Probably the most chilling phone call in the entire series

[@tiewkiat]

When you hear a kid that says he does not want to watch television and wants to read, you know you are in the twilight zone......

[@BNatoAk]

🤣🤣 no doubt

[@julieporter7805]

I was that kid.

[@Melsmest]

So glad my 8 year old daughter is that way 😊

[@darrylgonzalez5251]

I was that kid too, unless Star Trek was on!

[@ELIJAHIACOOL]

I am that kid

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Sounds like we are getting closer to that everyday

[@babyface5035]

You can cut that tense atmosphere with a knife .

[@djbeeluv]

Of all these episodes, this is the only one that I remembered the ending. It must've traumatized me.

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

I don't recall seeing this, but the ending still seems familiar.

[@KeithJackson-ux7eh]

Remind me of “the lottery”

[@haytu1603]

Moving into that reality now

[@christopherweber9464]

This episode is the reason I didn't go back to college until I was 45 ...

[@han3wmanwukong125]

It must be a cesspool if anti intellectualism.

[@TheCornhusker]

Going to college isn't the problem.

[@LABoutaBagDoe]

Damn this 80’s Episode was ahead of its time...this kinda shit is really goin on in the world today🤦🏾‍♂️ shit Crazy!!

[@Mrblackstar00]

At least you see this. A lot of people are still blind.

[@psychocephus]

@@Mrblackstar00 so true

[@stanleyrinker6180]

Very deep

[@lacenikks708]

Facts

[@otisroseboro2837]

Yes i agree

[@aikeicove]

I was very shocked after watching on TV in 80s in Korea. Finally watched again, thx a lot to remind me in my teenager

[@darcymcnabb9259]

The scary thing is we are heading down this path .

[@jasonsardie8085]

We are closer than most people would care to imagine...

[@han3wmanwukong125]

Sure looks that way.

[@han3wmanwukong125]

@@DreamfactoryZero yup. I wouldn't even call it a prediction since it was so completely obvious.

[@fefnireindraer144]

@@krishelfferich3487 and here is the derp the govts of the future will love.

[@clappingjazzhands9408]

Especially since Biden’s at the Wheel!

[@emilia4730]

I literally saw this today at school and I felt heartbroken about this lmao 😭

[@alextayoyong3712]

Dont worry "dicky" is now a lawyer.

[@han3wmanwukong125]

I think our schools are heading in a bad way. Showing the twilight zone to young people is a good direction.

[@NebulaM57]

I remember seeing this back when it first came out, before I was a parent. I find it a little difficult to watch now. But what a scary concept and a very well done episode. Actually seems a little scary in this day and age, like with people's views nowadays, this could someday be a possibility.

[@pricklypear7516]

It already IS effectively occurring. Public schools have become so intellectually degraded that, unless you're among an elite that can send your kid to private schools, he or she IS getting a third-rate (or poorer) education. Even universities are capitulating to accommodate the "nouveau dumb."

[@Diana-fg2vy]

There's an foreboding undertone thoughout the fake smiles of this Episode that ends with a punch 👊 in the gut .

[@cathyvickers9063]

Always one of my favorite episodes! Love the way all the hints are right there in costuming & set design...if you just had the insight what values are implied...

[@atiashaunbaker3792]

everything is grey , and white. Dismal and plain. Even the cake he cut was very plain .

[@ronthatus]

This episode never gets old

[@theresacampbell5691]

And here we are at the cusp of this.

[@Elle-lj7di]

I grew up learning about examination day in school. Some of you may think this is just a sci-fi flick but this was actually taught in school.

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

Um, okay

[@carina_huang]

It was. I'm here to finish my homework. I'm traumatized. I'M FOURTEEN WTF

[@mrghastblast]

Same, I’m 12 😮

[@Sashazur]

It’s a sci-fi short story that they made into this TV show episode. And apparently it’s on the curriculum in schools, which is actually pretty cool even though it can freak people out!

[@Scrit1]

I had to do this for homework and just found this out.

[@dokkenratt]

I remember seeing this when it was first broadcast and thought it was a wonderful entertaining science fiction fantasy. Fast forward to a new century and and it now seems like an impending prophecy...

[@scottyofeden]

We'll have no problem being too smart. Our school are way ahead of the time.

[@shadowman2192]

That’s the kid who played Sylvester Stallone’s son in Over The Top.

[@MissMarinaCapri]

Thank you for commenting that , because I was trying to remember where I recognized him from. “Over the top”, a very underrated movie.

[@shadowman2192]

@@MissMarinaCapri Yes it is. I love that movie.

[@elainelytle9704]

All I could remember was Sly Stallone, arm wrestling, big rig truck.

[@otisroseboro5613]

Yes it is him

[@Mister_Listener]

Oh thank you, i thought it was Jerry Suprian on Small Wonder, with the robot sister.

[@jdwyer4851]

A few years from now folks will watch this and wonder why this is an episode of the Twilight Zone.

[@jmcenanly1]

If such a future comes about, you can be certain that stories like this will be made to disappear

[@2163264990]

I don't think people realize how deep this is!!!👀👂😮💯💯💯

[@9evoke]

This is the creepiest episode I've ever seen im still shocked after all these years !

[@hongkongcantonese501]

Perfectly predicts the dystopia we are currently living in. Critical thinking is frowned upon and discouraged. GroupThink is the law of the land.

[@kenneth9874]

The democrats like the communist love useful idiots

[@SamuelBlack84]

You should hear the hatred others have of me for speaking my mind over many subjects So many want to kill me 😂

[@MariaElena51185]

Yes it’s called communism..

[@b.t4604]

@@SamuelBlack84 careful, don't want to upset the small hats now.

[@SamuelBlack84]

@b.t4604 If people want to kill me, part of me will let them

[@dubliners0999]

I love how all these 1980's sci-fi tv shows look like their production staff ran to the mall and bought everything at Spencer's gifts. Even the "staff" are wearing ugly, silver workout suits. Ugh!

[@zelljubovic9390]

That's the beauty of it.

[@Mister_Listener]

I think thats part of the style of this episode? Although, the set pieces are pretty cheap looking too. For a 10 minute story they didnt have a big budget, maybe? The bad quality on youtube makes it even worse, too. Lol.

[@abbycollins]

hey, it was the 80s! if it wasn't a dystopia it would be all hot pinks and neons too, i reckon

[@JamesWhite3rd]

I remember watching this at first run on tv...I was shocked that something like this would be on tv......what a twist

[@CarolHardesty]

(Before you guys jump on me in the comments, I wrote these for fun. I think all Twilight Zone episodes should have opening and closing narrations.) Opening narration: "As you've probably guessed, we're not in the present day anymore. And Dickey Jordan is no ordinary 12-year-old. In a moment, we'll see just how special he really is. Time: The future. Place: The Twilight Zone." Closing narration: "A moment of silence for Richard 'Dickey' Jordan Jr. Like all children, young Dickey believed he had a bright future, full of possibilities and adventures. Sadly, that dream was cut short by a small-minded government. The hard lesson: Differences aren't always tolerated, much less celebrated. Neither inside - nor outside - of the Twilight Zone."

[@abbycollins]

HOLY SHIT THIS IS GOOD! Canon. This is now canon. Nobody can tell me otherwise. /pos

[@jenniferweiss4734]

excellent opening and closing narration.❤

[@SamuelBlack84]

No wonder everyone has always despised the hell out of me

[@big_weeb_simp4291]

This must have been the best resolution the cameras had, because, honestly it fits perfectly with the story and everything, it has such a grainy look.

[@VGamingJunkieVT]

This is honestly the most twisted Twilight Zone episode I've ever seen. Their reactions really sell it, too. Terrifying to think that this will actually happen in some countries.

[@2Sugarbears]

All?

[@VGamingJunkieVT]

@@2Sugarbears I hope to God not.

[@otisroseboro5613]

I hope not

[@otisroseboro5613]

@@VGamingJunkieVT same here

[@EphemeralProductions]

Many of the 1980s TZ episodes were twisted, as it were! Many of them , as well as the original episodes were pretty spooky and made you think.

[@RayKlassen]

Oh my, what a great memory jog for me. I remember talking to a girl from the NY/NJ region named Donna, BEFORE the age of the internet, who said that she was David Mendenhall's cousin (?) !! Whether that was true or not, this actor, David Mendenhall, played Sylvester Stallone's son in the movie, Over The Top! Great movie and great child actor! 👍

[@julieanderson100]

I remember reading this and other fantastic short stories in Science Fiction/Fantasy lit elective in junior high. So many of these stories were thought provoking and have stuck with me. Flowers for Algernon, The Hidden, one I forget the name of. But alien races think they're learning about humans through an old film which turns out to be a Disney cartoon.

[@heidifedor]

You know how it’s going to end, but the twist is why it ends this way.

[@sid2112]

I remember watching this when it came on TV back in the day. It randomly popped into my head and here it is. The future is pretty amazing sometimes. Other times it's kinda like that show, spooky AF.

[@joereda5668]

Every time you hear someone complain about "them elites", just know this is what they'd like to have happen.

[@bdwilcox]

WEF

[@JohnRoberts-wk6rf]

Rod Serling was a genius who died too soon. Shows like Twilight Zone are too refined for today's masses.

[@abbycollins]

I don’t think Rod Sterling was involved in the 1980s series but he did create the original so I guess that’s technically right 😅 /nm /lh

[@tracytovey9471]

The little boys from the Sylvester Stallone movie over the top. Thank you for sharing I have only seen a few of the 80s Twilight Zone episode love the original with Rod serling

[@mulattoraver]

Just love that "omnicoder." Technological wonder of the future.

[@益田康弘-d5g]

This is painful. I mean l love the story. Great one.

[@fusionspace175]

I feel like this is a great one to add "This is the future my political enemies want" to. And it works no matter what side you're on.

[@lemonadelemon1960]

This is not our past. This is our future.

[@dravis141]

Wow, it's like a preview of coming events...

[@MariaElena51185]

It’s not coming, it’s been here all along.. our education system is like this world - a prison.

[@mohanaddani9262]

Best episode I ever seen. Whatever fiction reveal reality

[@garywallace4440]

Imagine how many people want this type of future

[@SesbianLex420]

It’s disgraceful how the government is so close to this sorta stuff. Why, I wish the world was like in the cartoons

[@livfreeordi]

Yup! Those who want to tear down those above them to make everyone equal..instead of working harder to elevate themselves. I call them…”socialists”. Hard to believe that crap gets any traction, but never underestimate the power of envy.🙄

[@jennajackson6305]

No thanks, not for me

[@SamuelBlack84]

Why would anyone want such a future? Boring reasons like fear?

[@Marialove794]

I just read the story on my English 1 exam and the ending is just... Heartbreaking. 😭😭😭

[@DiogoP-xj9wf]

same

[@TheQuietOne4454]

The intro would give me the creeps as a kid..and still does..

[@natterjack6405]

The future! Where we wear our shirt collars outside our raincoats. 🙄

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

Ha, ha That part got me, too.

[@Truth888]

Great acting by the parents at the end of this clip

[@violetviolence79]

The acting was great, but damn at the end, can mess you up

[@31webseries]

That final wail the dad gives is heartbreaking.

[@Truth888]

@@31webseries It was fantastic acting. Realistic.

[@Kelly14UK]

One of the most horrific episodes.

[@pauly260]

One of the most impressive TV opening credits sequences of all time.

[@davidgonzales2536]

Sure wasn't expecting that. Wow!!

[@kateorman]

Oh my God, if this is what I think it is, it was read to my class in a terrifying voice when I was maybe six or seven. Never got over the trauma! EDIT: It is!!! *shiver*

[@jamiebutton4458]

You get a box that you can call your friends on. They saw the future.

[@milow-cl9kt]

Fortunately, if the last few years haven't been an indication, this won't be a problem in the future.

[@jeyan65]

The events of the last few years have proven twilight zone was actually a documentary series

[@jimbod9116]

the worrying thing these days is there ie no room for the twilight zone, it is to close to reality.

[@maranatha256]

This was a classic SF story I read many years ago (by Henry Slesar). I had no idea they made it into a Twilight Zone episode.

[@jerryfacts9749]

When I was a teenager I used to watch this show. Was very frightening! Great show!

[@amaliasafaryan4256]

this kid is a good actor

[@whtxombi4955]

I remembers seeing this when it aired for the first time. Yikes! This was pure Serling.

[@princessai13jyd]

I remember watching this at 14yrs old an it fucked me up so bad lmfaooooo

[@cheddar2648]

Hell, I was 5 and I remember this and the bunker one.

[@B1jujv75]

Our future was just told :) Way back then ?

[@tylerdurden3347]

The Idiocracy has assumed control.

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

The Idiocracts of the Idiocracy have.

[@retrochickt7947]

The opening music still scares me to this day. I used to run to my Dad when the music played.

[@Praying_Light_Force]

It Sounds Like The Pokemon Platinum Opening 😂😅 WTF

[@stephaniem9561]

I remember reading this story in school.

[@tommullen4675]

Elizabeth Norment will always be my favorite actress. Since I the time I knew her in 1983 in NYC.

[@frankblangeard8865]

The boy is twelve years old but there are only ten candles on the cake. 2:19

[@JustFunandGames]

Those are metric years...

[@julieporter7805]

Remember his parents must have failed the intelligence test.

[@truelove11.11]

@@julieporter7805 There are 12 candles..

[@hypnos9336]

I'm so glad I'm able to properly immerse myself in tv shows and movies and I don't notice stupid, pointless crap like this (much less feel the need to make a comment on youtube about it)

[@debrabalacco2233]

Great observation Columbo

[@spibbymcgoo4877]

Damn that was a brutal one, and the way they just abruptly ended it like that…

[@nutznchocolates56]

They were afraid he might recognize a conspiracy.

[@atiashaunbaker3792]

That implies his parents already knew about whatever " tactics" the government was using

[@alandallmann5877]

Over the top Mikey!

[@scobubble1]

That was pretty damn good. What happened to that kid actor (what's his name?), he was in everything when I was growing up.

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

Look up his bio: David Mendenhall.

[@Melsmest]

As a teacher this is all to true and becoming a reality…..

[@SamuelBlack84]

Then it's your job to ensure it doesn't Or, do you blindly just do as your told by your almighty overlords?

[@nardimolinero6163]

Kinda reminds you of places "like" North Korea today. What a wonderful world we live in.

[@smc1942]

Coming soon to YOUR school district!!! 😳😳😳

[@JRRodriguez-nu7po]

Before entering 1st grade my parents told me that I had to pretend to be normal to stupid else the Cuban Government would take me from them as they already had done to my cousin. I went through 4th grade being called mongo, terrified the socialist utopia would place me in a boarding school where only on weekends, if I behaved, would I see my parents. This is the socialist utopia I lived, not death, but the envy fueled "social justice " of the mob. I'm now an American citizen and I fear this country is going down the same outcome equality road.

[@JRRodriguez-nu7po]

Read some history, my case was typical in the Soviet inspired countries.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

This is what democrats want

[@cheddar2648]

Small wonder that 80% of Cubanos in America are conservative. They know the end goal of liberal progressivism.

[@kamenridernephilim]

It is the truth no good comes socialism, communism, Marxism, or social justice warriors. No good ever came from them and no good ever will come from them. You are wrong. You are the problem.

[@kamenridernephilim]

Bullshit there is no education in socialism, communism, Marxism, or social justice warriors. There is only indoctrination, propaganda, enslavement, and mass murder. Once again you are wrong. You are the problem and you are a shill. You will not make excuses. You will not deflect. You will not tell lies. You will live the truth and reality that you are utterly and you will accept it.

[@arthurjacobs4974]

ITS IS HERE NOW

[@Loco4Waffles]

My God. I can see our government wanting to do this. Years ago, it seemed hokey. Now, it makes you wonder.

[@miriamllamas224]

I watched this yesterday. I have to watch it again 😳

[@derinaries]

"We dont need no education//We dont need no thought control// All in all we're just//another brick in the wall" -Pink Floydd