The Twilight Zone (TV Series) The Comedian (2019) User Reviews

6

[elvis-11986 · 6/10 · 1 April 2019]

It was a good episode. The idea of the story was great but there are two things that keeps me from giving a higher score: 1. Episode was too long 2. The story was slow and felt like it was dragging I really wish it will find it's grove. I don't want to give up on this show yet, so I'll wait for more!

Passable as a first TZ effort - but leaves you a bit unsatisfied

[shelsie · 7/10 · 1 April 2019]

I must admit, I had really high hopes for the very first installment for The Twilight Zone (2019-). The first episode was higher than mediocre, but not great. The first thing one notices is that there is absolutely not one comic line in an episode called "The Comedian". That's too bad. They should have written some real jokes. Even politics can be funny, guys, but economics! Fuggetaboutit! I absolutely loved the overall premise and the storyline, but it was fairly predictable and there was not really a true twist. What was most outstanding was the set design - it was gorgeous. Best use of blue ever. And I loved the way Jordan Peele came into the scene. Overall, I was so glad to have the TZ back that I can forgive first episode jitters. I can't wait to see the rest of season 1!

A Solid Start

[jon_carlson-28953 · 7/10 · 11 April 2019]

I was very conflicted about the announcement of a reboot of "The Twlight Zone" under Jordan Peele. Or anyone for that matter. I felt that the writing talent pool the original series had could not be replicated and therefore neither could the show quality. Granted, Mr. Peele has proven to be a gifted writer, and I heard he would be given real control over the series- something no writer was given on previous reboot attempts- so, I was hopeful. And with the first episode, "The Comedian", I'm confident the show is in good hands.

The episode focuses on a struggling stand up comedian who's given a new approach to take by a more successful comic, but with a warning, and it soon comes to pass that the success he wanted may cost more than he bargained for.

This is a classic Rod Sterling set up. Kumail Nanjiani plays the lead in question and really fits the part. He's believable and a competent actor. The episode is aided by the presence of Tracy Morgan as Kumail Nanjiani's benefactor, Morgan is very effective, I feel since his accident he's more grounded. He carries an aura of worldliness about him and it really shows here.

But, the acting is not the magic here. The camera work and lighting sets the mood well. The story is told in traditional Twlight Zone fashion with some striking differences- it's in color, which still irks me, and there is profanity which caught me off guard. But the hour long run time bugs me the most. It drags a bit, while still being entertaining. The original series' (mostly) half hour format made the tales more savory, I think. More enjoyable. Refreshing. This episode felt very heavy and too long. But, I don't know how it could be reduced to 30 mins and still work.

This was a solid episode that would compare well to the show's past entries, but would be decidedly average in the grand scheme of things. I'm glad they chose this as the lead off entry, it catches the spirit of the classic series and promises more to come. I fear too much sociatal and/or political commentary in the future, but the original series had plenty of that. So, maybe it's only natural that things head in that direction. But, for now, things are off to a good start. I hope for more- and better- things to come.

The Comedian Episode

[Hannah_Bananah · 7/10 · 20 April 2019]

Story: This is a fresh take on a familiar Twilight Zone trope of a character dealing with the negative consequences of a gift; unfortunately each scene foreshadows what will happen next, that the story is quite predictable.

Direction: A full-episode length story, however the pacing is adequate and the episode flows well, but lacks any sense of anxiety or tension that should have been built-up as the story progressed to the climax.

Acting: Kumail Nanjiani is fantastic as the comedian, he makes this episode more watchable that it really should be.

X-Factor? None, a forgettable story that doesn't linger with the viewer after watching.

A good start to the Peele Era!

[alihandemiral · 7/10 · 3 April 2019]

Twilight Zone's revival started out good with a decent episode. The theme was great, the execution, however, could be a lot better. The episode felt at least 10 minutes longer than it should be.

The acting was pretty spot on, Morgan was great as the creppy JC Wheeler, and Nanjiani was tailored for the role of Samir. I really loved seeing Peele taking the place of Rod Serling. It suits him. I believe the show will get better each episode.

Solid job!

Classic TZ, with a few bumps

[Adler-99 · 7/10 · 13 April 2019]

I watched this first episode with trepidation, considering that I love the original TZ and like its first reboot in the 1980s, and also because of all the negative reviews. But I found it a worthy successor. Yes, the run time was a bit long and the ending was fairly predictable, but I couldn't look away. Jordan Peele is perfect as the narrator, and Tracy Morgan is creepy as J.C. Wheeler. Watch again -- Morgan's character never blinks. The episode is also full of Easter eggs with callbacks to the original series. For example, when Samir pulls up the contacts on his phone, look at the first name under "C."

Two things brought down my rating, though. First, there is too much profanity and vulgarity, which I believe is a verbal crutch when one can't think of something witty or intelligent to say. Secondly, the rest of the series is currently only viewable on CBS All Access, and I'm not paying its fee for just one show.

If it were edited down to 25-30 Minutes it would be ok, instead its just boring.

[nuthousecartoons · 4/10 · 2 April 2019]

This drags on too long. If you cut everything out that didn't work, stopped repeating scenes, ideas, and just cut to the chase this would have been a cool episode. The Original didn't have enough time to include that many unimportant scenes or stretch them out. It also did not give you an HOUR to figure out an obvious ending or know where it's going. If you guys were smart you would include edited versions of episodes. That way you can save what you made.

Perfectly Twilight Zone

[firefly-35784 · 10/10 · 30 April 2020]

I watched all of the old Twilight Zone and this was perfect. A great nod to the old "deal with the devil" seen in originals. It had a very nostalgic feel. It hit all the right notes for this series past and present.

A very promising start

[sulinc · 2 April 2019]

This is a promising start to the series. Taking a small yet still supernatural story and cramming it into stand-up comedy actually worked. Kumail Nanjiani was very good in it, and he was great in the last scene of the movie. Probably the best acting I've seen from him. I just wish that the actual lines were funny, like since his audience was dying of laughter, but I didn't even budge a smile. (Well maybe, they were under some kind of spell that-ohhhhhhhh!!!)Jordan Peele was barely in it, so I don't know what to say about him other than his voice is pretty soothing. All the supporting cast was great, and I think that all the loose ends were tied up at the end while still leaving some stuff up for interpretation. Also the episode looked really good, good shots, good use of color, just beautiful. 8/10.

Watched via YouTube.

True to the original

[isaiahjjohnson · 7/10 · 5 April 2019]

This one is good I thought, it's a little long but stays true to the original. Kinda predictable but overall entertaining. Too much language though

This comedian bombed!

[kaohsiungpete · 4/10 · 1 April 2019]

Considering the talent on offer (including Tracey Morgan) this episode about a struggling comedian was just not funny. You'd expect a few punchlines at least, but all you got was a predictable, boring run of the mill tripe.

The premise was set up in the first 10 minutes then dragged out for a further 45 reaching the obvious anticipated and formulaic conclusion with about as much twist as a titanium chopstick.

Good Premise

[MatthewLong23 · 10/10 · 5 April 2020]

This is an interesting story about how power can have consequences that you do not foresee. It tells the story about a struggling comedian who after meeting his idol, decides to put his personal life into his routine. Once he starts to do this he notices the thing he talks about is erased from his life such as his dog or nephew. Once he realizes what he can do there are unattended consequences such as by erasing his wife's mentor she is no longer a lawyer. I won't say how the story is concluded but I must say I wasn't that surprised it occured. I liked this story because it was interesting to see how your life can change if some people were not a part of it and whether you will be happier as a result. Overall a strong first episode of the show

Yes, worth watching, regardless of your resons

[steveb69 · 7/10 · 2 April 2019]

Whilst having a flick through Morpheus tv app, (good app). I discovered eps 1 & 2 had been released, quickly downloaded them. Twilight Zone has always equalled a quality show to my mind, this series, so far, has upheld the tradition.

The Comedian starts off with a rather unfunny comedian, down on his luck, relationship issues when he comes across legendary comedian "J.C. Wheeler" upon a stool at a small little comedy club. Thus begins his journey into the twilight zone.

Without going into the story, the style and visuals are pleasing, soft orange lights, (I do miss the smoke of a nightclub) and the story builds nicely as the journey into the twilight zone begins. I was surprised that this episode was an hour long. Not sure 1 hr episodes suit the twilight zone, but for this episode yes it did.

As the Comedian realised his power he first makes jokes on random people he finds on social media, bad people, but it always came back to being personal and the people in his life. A small portion of the show dealt with altered reality / the Comedians awareness of where he was. Nice. (Especially in this day and age of spiritual & science questioning of reality.)

And that is what the Twilight Zone has always been about.

The Comedian, (and I cannot find his character name or actor name on line?) Didn't deserve his fate, and that is one of the beauties of Rod Serlings twilight zone. It's a cruel place.

I did think the tale was going to go another way and was pleased to be wrong.

Opening credits, Mmm, too fast, slow it all down, we don't need a ton of CGI graphics chucked in our face. (Think a fade shot of Rod would be worthy)

Opening Theme: Yeah fine.

Not a good start

[bettysgirl · 2/10 · 2 April 2019]

Too long, boring and predictable. Rather just watch original.

Okay, if not perfect start

[ngpurcell · 7/10 · 7 April 2019]

The plot definitely felt like something out of the Twilight Zone, but it was a little drawn out. It didn't quite have the same atmosphere as the old show, but it did have a sort of unsettling vibe to it, so that was fine. When I initially heard this was going to be a TV-MA show I was a little disappointed because the Twilight Zone has never been like that, but it kind of worked considering the theme and characters of the story. I can understand why a lot of people are disappointed in this, but I don't see how it's worse than any of the other reboots of the show that have been made; how is this show rated lower than the 2002 series? Overall, it's an okay start and I hope that it will only get better from here.

A little bit too long

[mo-ahlmann-735-983483 · 7/10 · 2 April 2019]

A lot of people have said that he is not funny when he is clearly not supposed to be. The "power" he acquiers from Tracy Morgan character in the beginning is that people will love at anything as long as it is personal to him.

Decent first episode

[theoneandonlyhyperdriver · 7/10 · 14 October 2020]

Interesting premise and good story. Let down by slightly laboured direction. Cut this down to 30 minutes and it would be great.

By the book, predictable, boring

[lena-sophie-koch · 3/10 · 1 April 2019]

I was very excited when I first heard of Jordan Peele making a twilight zone reboot. I love his work and attitude, but this first episode was just disappointing allover. Sadly, it was hard to watch. The whole storyline and ending was predictable, as were all the modern day tropes. Subtlety is lost here. I didn't see the need for all the profanity either.

All it did was make me miss the old Twilight Zone episodes.

The only stars go towards Tracy Morgan's and Jordan Peele's appearances.

Slow start but eventually gets interesting

[Chocoalatv · 9/10 · 5 April 2019]

I've never watched the original but I'm really liking this so far!

The 1st episode is a little slow in the beginning but every actor is great and soon I was drawn into it.

It is very well made but the ending was a bit confusing so I gave 9 stars.

Best Episode So Far

[prankster36 · 7/10 · 28 April 2019]

The new Twilight Zone is not great so far--there's been some good moments and it's worth watching for the great guest stars, but in general the show has had real trouble translating its ideas into good stories. This one works because it taps into something true about the act of creating (in an exaggerated, supernatural way, of course) and because Tracy Morgan is terrifying in it. Tracy Morgan! Who would have thought it? The fact that Nanjiani's character's act is just him insulting people felt a bit lazy--I mean you've got a real comedian in the role, can't he even ad-lib some actual jokes?--but otherwise I found this one effective.

too long and predictable

[moyetbear-224-584960 · 2/10 · 1 April 2019]

Tracey Morgan is the best part - and he's only in the beginning and the end...which is where both of the rating stars come from. The rest of the cast and scrip is completely forgettable....and given the subject of the show...that's the best punchline! The series must do better! At least there was a nod to The Dummy hidden in the dressing room of the nightclub~! I'd look for more old TZ references, but I never need to see this schlock again!

Intensely Surprised

[rsnnborden · 9/10 · 20 April 2019]

I was skeptical. I had to prod myself past the first 5-10 minutes.

I'm so glad that I did. I surprised myself, and was equally and pleasantly surprised by Jordan Peele, by the end of the episode when I found myself concluding that it was at the very least as good as the original Twilight Zone episode that this one was based on.

Feels like a classic episode

[stakmaster · 7/10 · 23 April 2019]

A great episode to start off the new series with for sure. This does what a lot of classic Twilight Zone episodes does: Take something ordinary and add a strange, supernatural twist. Predictable, not particularly clever or insightful, but it goes through those classic conventions so well that it's like wrapping up in a warm blanket. Aside from all the unnecessary cursing this could easily have been a script from the original series. Nothing groundbreaking but as far as a first episode goes this does exactly what it needed to.

A lackluster start

[TylerTrekker · 4/10 · 2 April 2019]

I had high hopes for this show. This seemed like one of the dormant franchises worthy of a reboot. After hearing of Jordan Peele's involvement and a fan of his excellent Get Out, it appeared to have the hallmarks of an improvement on an old classic. Yet the first episode lacked much of real suspense or intrigue I was expecting. In fact I was extremely bored. The plot revolves around a struggling comedian who repeatedly fails to launch his career because he prefers to talk about politically ironic topics which fall flat with the audience. One evening after a failed routine, he meets a mysterious stranger who gives him the ability to "connect" with the audience and make them laugh, but there's a catch. This entire "catch" of the plot is drawn out far too long, until when the final twist arrives it rings as hollow as most of the jokes the main character delivers. When he realizes the extreme cost of making his audience laugh, he doesn't stop. We're supposed to believe that he doesn't stop because he's willing to do anything to be the most successful comedian ever. The problem is he never did anything he could to change his original material to begin with despite repeated failed attempts. There were no stakes in this episode, nothing that makes us invested in anything he does. This character is an idiot, and when the unthinkable happens to his friends and family he simply gives up. On the plus side the new titles and even Jordan Peele's intro are well done, albeit brief. I'm hoping future episodes are more interesting.

It's a little derivative

[domcing · 6/10 · 24 January 2020]

The main character has a special power which allows him to supernaturally kill people and he uses this power to rid the world of criminals while writing their names in a little black journal, so it's basically a xerox of Death Note.

Still better than the Netflix adaptation.