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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
I guess I'm in the minority but I think this is less true than ever, at least where I live. If we didn't want children to be smart we wouldn't insist they be educated. It's literally illegal for children not to be in school and it's completely free.
@@margaret6839 ya and why do you think they'd want your children, what other possible reason would the government want such control of them, HMMMmmmmMMmmmMM. The system serves to re-enforce the system. IE they get to program them to be good lil government sycophants, 20 years of Canadian schooling done wonders on that goal
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.
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
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!
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.
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."
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.
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.
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!
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.
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...
(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."
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! 👍
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...
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)
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.🙄
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
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*
The tragedy here is that in the far future, we still have those shitty window blinds.
my thoughts exactly
...and drippy faucets...tires that go flat...arrggghh
¡Ja, ja, ja!
And that weird TV thing his parents gave him, reminds me of a gadget I had in the 1970s.
The actual tragedy here that you think this bleak grim future is far!.. ;)
Twilight Zone: "Don't do these things".
Humanity: "challenge accepted"
Idiocracy: The Prequel. 😉
@@julieporter7805 The people in Idiocracy still value intelligence even though they don't have it.
Literally the opposite of Idiocracy tho.
This gives "don't be a smart ass" a whole new meaning.
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.
Actually, that is already the case in South Africa.
It’s already happening
Has society ever valued independent thought over cooperation?
Really true.
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.
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.
Yea. The government want people that listen and obey to what CNN and MSNBC is telling them. Never to question the narrative.
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.
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...
I've said it before....we are the dystopian future.,., just my opinion
2❤❤Æ a aquaman X😊AZURE😊😮2 A😅@@Donathon-qx8kq
The little boy is really sweet & I like the actors playing the parents. Very ironic & sad story.
remember when plasma balls on the set of a tv program would automatically indicate it was the future?
No
now its just plasma tvs
“Free thinkers are dangerous” -Serj Tankian. If you’re too smart, you
May be seen as a threat to the systems.
Yes that is exactly what is happening right now.
Yes they are trying to make mankind nautrol, un smart. Perhaps they want a security where we all rely on food stamps.
I guess I'm in the minority but I think this is less true than ever, at least where I live. If we didn't want children to be smart we wouldn't insist they be educated. It's literally illegal for children not to be in school and it's completely free.
@@margaret6839 Not everywhere it isn’t
@@margaret6839 ya and why do you think they'd want your children, what other possible reason would the government want such control of them, HMMMmmmmMMmmmMM. The system serves to re-enforce the system. IE they get to program them to be good lil government sycophants, 20 years of Canadian schooling done wonders on that goal
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.
Me too
Judge examination by yourself yourselves is the realest? Sonde threw is cum Lauden part
Failing on purpose a point then travels practicum his way to extend the difficulty examen. How he made it I dunnocto
Don't worry, you were never going to do well on that test.
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.
A LOT OF TRUTH TO THAT! The government doesn't want you to be smarter than them...
These days a chimpanzee with dementia could outsmart all the world's governments 😆
And these days, it's getting harder and harder to not be smarter than them.
You're no threat, then, are you? Paranoid cretin.
This day is coming
"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
in the short story he opts to not read comics but instead ponder and think as he looks out the window
That’s why you should never tell anyone your birthday wish.
Well it came true....
Exactly 💯
omg shit i just realised that...
i read this in school but actually watching it makes me feel really uncomfortable and disturbed
Never tell anyone your birthday … and you never get older !
Lol so true😢😂
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......
🤣🤣 no doubt
I was that kid.
So glad my 8 year old daughter is that way 😊
I was that kid too, unless Star Trek was on!
Wow. The ending sunk my heart into utter despair. Unthinkable.
Same here, very 😢
@@otisroseboro5613 Feel the same way as you both.
We are here now. The government wants idiots in power.
They need to have this on tv today. Show people what will happen in our future
yea
It's already happened
Are we in the twilight zone these days? GEtting closer...
The idea of the twilight zone was to mimic the issues of today's world and to tell cautionary tales.
we are and it ain't fun
Yep, we are. In a parallel world, currently there is no covid.
@@merlynsy7076 There isn't one here either. at least not how it's presented to you.
@@prettyhatemachine8887 How did you get to be smart with all the answers?
You know those in power prefer sheeple who get along, go along and don't ask too many questions.
Perfectly predicts the dystopia we are currently living in. Critical thinking is frowned upon and discouraged. GroupThink is the law of the land.
The democrats like the communist love useful idiots
(Paraphrased)
"Here, drink this."
"What is it for?"
"To make sure you tell the truth."
Scary ... .
This episode is the reason I didn't go back to college until I was 45 ...
It must be a cesspool if anti intellectualism.
Of all these episodes, this is the only one that I remembered the ending. It must've traumatized me.
I don't recall seeing this, but the ending still seems familiar.
Remind me of “the lottery”
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
We had to read 1984, Animal Farm, Brave New World and Utopia. Scarred me for life!
@@lalaj5831,
I've read the second and third one. How is "Utopia"? I haven't even heard of it.
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!
You can cut that tense atmosphere with a knife .
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.
Um, okay
It was. I'm here to finish my homework. I'm traumatized.
I'M FOURTEEN WTF
Same, I’m 12 😮
Saw the ending coming, but by goodness it still hits hard.
It sure does.
Read the novella. Far superior.
@@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.
@@Fecalage same title
@@Fecalage
Probably the most chilling phone call in the entire series
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.
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."
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.
I am close to 40 and recall learning this story in school.
@@Elle-lj7di It is a frightening tale since you could in a far off reality see it come true!
Nice. I want to check that out. I recently read the really short story, "Harrison Bergeron", which this has a similarity to.
I learnt this about 2 months ago.
When my ELA teacher said “Examination day” I thought we had an EXAM- Not go THIS deep bro
"We dont need no education//We dont need no thought control// All in all we're just//another brick in the wall"
-Pink Floydd
A few years from now folks will watch this and wonder why this is an episode of the Twilight Zone.
If such a future comes about, you can be certain that stories like this will be made to disappear
Damn this 80’s Episode was ahead of its time...this kinda shit is really goin on in the world today🤦🏾♂️ shit Crazy!!
At least you see this. A lot of people are still blind.
@@MrBlackstar00 so true
Very deep
Facts
Yes i agree
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.
All?
@@2Sugarbears
I hope to God not.
I hope not
@@VGamingJunkieVT same here
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.
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!
This is what equality of outcome looks like.
It’s not
I literally saw this today at school and I felt heartbroken about this lmao 😭
Dont worry "dicky" is now a lawyer.
I think our schools are heading in a bad way. Showing the twilight zone to young people is a good direction.
I remember when i was in school my english teacher showed us a short film called "the lottery" it reminds me of this
Shirley Jackson story
a classic
@@traildoggy fuck yeah dude, im gonna rewatch that right now
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!
That's the beauty of it.
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.
hey, it was the 80s! if it wasn't a dystopia it would be all hot pinks and neons too, i reckon
There's an foreboding undertone thoughout the fake smiles of this Episode that ends with a punch 👊 in the gut .
Sounds like we are getting closer to that everyday
That’s the kid who played Sylvester Stallone’s son in Over The Top.
Thank you for commenting that , because I was trying to remember where I recognized him from. “Over the top”, a very underrated movie.
@@MissMarinaCapri Yes it is. I love that movie.
All I could remember was Sly Stallone, arm wrestling, big rig truck.
Yes it is him
Oh thank you, i thought it was Jerry Suprian on Small Wonder, with the robot sister.
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...
(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."
HOLY SHIT THIS IS GOOD! Canon. This is now canon. Nobody can tell me otherwise. /pos
excellent opening and closing narration.❤
This is the creepiest episode I've ever seen im still shocked after all these years !
I just read the story on my English 1 exam and the ending is just... Heartbreaking. 😭😭😭
The scary thing is we are heading down this path .
We are closer than most people would care to imagine...
Sure looks that way.
@@DreamfactoryZero yup. I wouldn't even call it a prediction since it was so completely obvious.
@@krishelfferich3487 and here is the derp the govts of the future will love.
Especially since Biden’s at the Wheel!
We'll have no problem being too smart. Our school are way ahead of the time.
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! 👍
Every time you hear someone complain about "them elites", just know this is what they'd like to have happen.
WEF
And Now Dickie, it’s time for your Vaccinations 💉 🤪
Moving into that reality now
I was very shocked after watching on TV in 80s in Korea. Finally watched again, thx a lot to remind me in my teenager
This episode never gets old
I remember watching this at first run on tv...I was shocked that something like this would be on tv......what a twist
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.
good documentary of how affirmative action will be in about 4 years from now
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...
everything is grey , and white. Dismal and plain. Even the cake he cut was very plain .
You know how it’s going to end, but the twist is why it ends this way.
Fortunately, if the last few years haven't been an indication, this won't be a problem in the future.
I don't think people realize how deep this is!!!👀👂😮💯💯💯
The future! Where we wear our shirt collars outside our raincoats. 🙄
Ha, ha
That part got me, too.
Who would have thought this is the direction we are heading.
I know its just a tv show but I cannot see decent people suffer . I am highly empathic .
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.
Wow, it's like a preview of coming events...
The intro would give me the creeps as a kid..and still does..
Rod Serling was a genius who died too soon. Shows like Twilight Zone are too refined for today's masses.
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
You get a box that you can call your friends on. They saw the future.
Just love that "omnicoder." Technological wonder of the future.
One of the most impressive TV opening credits sequences of all time.
The events of the last few years have proven twilight zone was actually a documentary series
This is not our past. This is our future.
this kid is a good actor
The Idiocracy has assumed control.
The Idiocracts of the Idiocracy have.
And here we are at the cusp of this.
The boy is twelve years old but there are only ten candles on the cake. 2:19
Those are metric years...
Remember his parents must have failed the intelligence test.
@@julieporter7805 There are 12 candles..
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)
One of the most horrific episodes.
They were afraid he might recognize a conspiracy.
That implies his parents already knew about whatever " tactics" the government was using
The opening music still scares me to this day. I used to run to my Dad when the music played.
It Sounds Like The Pokemon Platinum Opening 😂😅 WTF
As a teacher this is all to true and becoming a reality…..
Imagine how many people want this type of future
It’s disgraceful how the government is so close to this sorta stuff. Why, I wish the world was like in the cartoons
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.🙄
No thanks, not for me
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.
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
The ending was really sad. 😞
the worrying thing these days is there ie no room for the twilight zone, it is to close to reality.
Our future was just told :) Way back then ?
No one? Ok, I'll say it...
...that kid was literally OVER THE TOP
Great acting by the parents at the end of this clip
The acting was great, but damn at the end, can mess you up
That final wail the dad gives is heartbreaking.
@@31webseries It was fantastic acting. Realistic.
The scary thing is that every fucking year people keep commenting how close we are to this.
2024, Sadly it's true. The government wants dumb people.
Richard Jordan Jr.'s intelligence quotient: 90; government standard: 75 :)😭
I must have been the only person that never saw this before...too busy reading I guess.
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*
Best episode I ever seen. Whatever fiction reveal reality
Elizabeth Norment will always be my favorite actress. Since I the time I knew her in 1983 in NYC.
When I was a teenager I used to watch this show. Was very frightening! Great show!
Kinda reminds you of places "like" North Korea today. What a wonderful world we live in.
That was pretty damn good. What happened to that kid actor (what's his name?), he was in everything when I was growing up.
Look up his bio: David Mendenhall.
I remember reading this story in school.
I remember watching this at 14yrs old an it fucked me up so bad lmfaooooo
Hell, I was 5 and I remember this and the bunker one.