Revisiting The Twilight Zone: S05E15: The Long Morrow

Revisiting The Twilight Zone: S05E15: The Long Morrow

The science fiction tales of the series are generally my favourite, and it is all about the twist at the end that takes you in. Both of those apply here, but the majority of the story is not about the science fiction aspect, but more to do with fatal attraction and the consequences.

Commander Stansfield has gotten his dream post – a journey into space to a system 141 light years from Earth. A new spaceship can break the speed of light, but his round trip will still take 40 years, though he will barely age as he will be in suspended animation. As he prepares though, he of course decides to fall in love, just as he is about to leave for his 40 year mission, meaning when he returns he will still be the same age but Sandra will be 40 years older. 

OK, now this is where the story gets silly, and just a bit beyond comprehension. Firstly, these two fall hopelessly in love in one evening. Great. Then the round trip ends, and we find Sandra is the same age, because she decided to go into suspended animation for 40 years so she would be the same age when Stansfield returns. Really? Leave all your family and friends for that? And then Stansfield reveals he didn’t go into suspended animation, instead living alone in a tin can for 40 years so he would return as the same age that Sandra would be. Really? How did he live with no food or water for 40 years?

This story has so many holes it becomes a farce. The idea is reasonable, but come on, I’m not going to buy this without considering all of the aspects!

Rating: Now there is a wasted life for you. 3.5/5