Revisiting The Twilight Zone: S05E29: The Jeopardy Room

Revisiting The Twilight Zone: S05E29: The Jeopardy Room

While this is an interesting story and is excellently acted throughout, it really isn’t a story that fits into the Twilight Zone apocrypha. There is no supernatural or science fiction part to the tale, indeed it is a straight forward mystery tale that would fit any number of formats but probably not this one. However, once you are into the story you forget all about that and just go along for the ride.

It’s always great to see Martin Landau on the screen and he is terrific here again pitted as the agent looking to defect to the West against John van Dreelan’s Commissar, who is sick of simply shooting deserters, and wants to do something more elaborate. As such, he sets up a trap for his opponent, giving him three hours to find where the booby trap is in order to save his life. Their cat and mouse game is terrific to watch, and the final scenario and outcome is enjoyable and worth the storyline that precedes it.

Of course, this isn’t a Twilight Zone episode in the whole scheme of things, but it is an enjoyable way to pass 20-odd minutes.

Rating: Ring, ring, why don’t you give me a call? 4/5

*FOOTNOTE* On the day I have posted this, we learned that Martin Landau had passed away, aged 89. His magnificent career is full of fabulous moments, from starring in Mission: Impossible to his Academy Award winning role in Ed Wood as Bela Lugosi.
Apart from this episode, Martin also had a role in the first series episode "Mr. Denton on Doomsday". RIP one of the greats.