This is one of those episodes that transcends the genres that the Twilight Zone proliferates, and becomes one of those wonderfully perfect episodes that should be shown in schools everywhere as a lesson that everyone should learn in regards to racism. Sexism, elitism and every other facet of humanity’s indignant response to those not of the ‘norm’.
Rod Serling once again nails the argument of what is held as ‘normal’ and what is held as ‘abnormal’ in a story that is also perfectly filmed to emphasise its point. Throughout the episode we see Janet Tyler’s face wrapped in bandages after yet another operation to make her ‘normal’, to enhance her beauty such that it is like everyone else around her. She worries constantly of what the result will be given that by law, she is on her last chance. If the operation is a failure she will have to live her life as an ‘abnormal’. At no stage do we see the faces of anyone, until Janet’s face is finally revealed to all, and then their faces too are shown to the camera.
People may say this is an easily discovered plotline; that the end is not really a twist as it is hinted at all the way through. This may be true, but firstly consider the excellent camera work and direction needed to conceal the twist until the reveal, and secondly consider the message that Serling pointedly makes to his audience, one that still has as much meaning today as it did when it was first aired back in 1960.
Rating: Can bandages withhold true beauty. 4.5/5
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