Robert Redford’s Underrated Twilight Zone Episode: A Must-Watch

Robert Redford is best remembered for his film career, but he also did some TV work, including an underrated Twilight Zone episode that everyone should watch. One of the best and most influential actors ever is Robert Redford, who left his mark both in front of the camera and behind it. Redford explored different genres in his career, mostly Westerns and dramas.

Robert Redford had an impressive career as an actor and director, but his work wasn’t exclusive to the big screen. Before breaking big in film, Redford did some TV work, which has mostly faded into obscurity, though not because it was bad. One of his best TV roles was in the original run of The Twilight Zone, in an episode everyone should watch.

Robert Redford Appeared In The Twilight Zone Before His Career Blew Up

Robert Redford’s career blew up when he starred in the 1969 classic Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, alongside Paul Newman. However, Redford wasn’t a newcomer, as his acting career began in 1960 in both film and TV. In the latter, Redford appeared in single episodes of shows like Maverick and Perry Mason.

In 1963, Redford starred in one episode of The Twilight Zone, the classic anthology series created and hosted by Rod Serling. Redford’s The Twilight Zone episode is season 3’s “Nothing in the Dark”, directed by Lamont Johnson and written by George Clayton Johnson. “Nothing in the Dark” has a very reduced but talented cast, with Gladys Cooper and R. G. Armstrong accompanying Redford.

“Nothing in the Dark” is more fantasy and drama than sci-fi, with its horror factor coming from the themes addressed in it, which appeal to some of the biggest and most common fears. “Nothing in the Dark” ranks high among the best Twilight Zone episodes, and Redford himself said in 2014 that it was the most often viewed episode of the show.

Robert Redford’s Twilight Zone Episode Is Underrated But Poignant

“Nothing in the Dark” is the story of Wanda Dunn (Cooper), a frail, old woman living in a basement apartment in an abandoned tenement. Wanda never leaves her home due to extreme fear that Death will find her, as she once witnessed it taking human form to take an old woman’s life by touching her.

One morning, she’s awakened by an altercation outside her window, in which a young police officer, Harold Beldon (Redford), is shot. Beldon is able to make it to Wanda’s door to ask for help, but she’s reluctant to help him as she knows Death could be waiting for her outside. Wanda eventually opens the door and brings Beldon inside after confirming that touching him won’t kill her.

Wanda opens up to Harold about her fears, but a contractor later arrives to tell her the building is about to be demolished, and she has to leave. “Nothing in the Dark” is among those Twilight Zone episodes that aren’t sci-fi nor full-on horror, which, unfortunately, and as good as it is, makes it an underrated episode.

However, it’s one of the most emotional and deep episodes of The Twilight Zone, and the audience can easily relate to Wanda’s fear of death. Like most episodes of The Twilight Zone, “Nothing in the Dark” has a twist at the end, but this one is as emotional and heartbreaking as it is relieving.

“Nothing In The Dark” Showcased The Actor’s Talent In Under 30 Minutes

The talent of Robert Redford is undeniable, and there are many movies from different genres that prove his charm and skills both as an actor and director. Redford’s Twilight Zone episode is one of his best but also underrated works in general, and he did a lot in just 25 minutes.

Through the character of Harold Beldon, Redford showcased his natural charm, as well as his acting range. Without getting into spoiler territory, because this is an episode best enjoyed without any extra information, Redford perfectly captures the helplessness of an injured Harold and the soothing aura he brings when bonding with Wanda.

Cooper and Redford’s chemistry is also key, as they beautifully complement each other’s performances. Redford didn’t need big productions, sets, and time to show his natural talents, and “Nothing in the Dark” is the best example of that.

Everyone Should Watch “Nothing In The Dark” At Least Once

There are many must-watch episodes of The Twilight Zone, and “Nothing in the Dark” is one of them. While the twist is key to having the complete experience of watching “Nothing in the Dark” for the first time, it doesn’t ruin a rewatch of the episode. Instead, it makes the episode a lot more emotional and beautiful on a second (or third or more) watch.

As mentioned above, “Nothing in the Dark” appeals to common fears related to death, and the way it addresses this topic is so well done and impactful that anyone would benefit from watching this episode. “Nothing in the Dark” will always be one of the best Twilight Zone episodes, as well as one of Robert Redford’s best TV works.

Release Date

1959 – 1964

Showrunner

Rod Serling

Directors

John Brahm, Buzz Kulik, Douglas Heyes, Lamont Johnson, Richard L. Bare, James Sheldon, Richard Donner, Don Medford, Montgomery Pittman, Abner Biberman, Alan Crosland, Jr., Alvin Ganzer, Elliot Silverstein, Jack Smight, Joseph M. Newman, Ted Post, William Claxton, Jus Addiss, Mitchell Leisen, Perry Lafferty, Robert Florey, Robert Parrish, Ron Winston, Stuart Rosenberg

Writers

Charles Beaumont, Richard Matheson, Earl Hamner, Jr., George Clayton Johnson, Jerry Sohl, Henry Slesar, Martin Goldsmith, Anthony Wilson, Bernard C. Schoenfeld, Bill Idelson, E. Jack Neuman, Jerome Bixby, Jerry McNeely, John Collier, John Furia, Jr., John Tomerlin, Lucille Fletcher, Ray Bradbury, Reginald Rose, Sam Rolfe, Adele T. Strassfield

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