‘The Twilight Zone’ (2019) Recap: ‘A Small Town’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The last time we settled in to discuss the wonder that is the CBS All Access series, The Twilight Zone, we talked at length about how the show had finally taken the time to bring together notions of the fantastical and its patented social commentary in a single story. Something that required attention, largely because it was handled in such a smooth and magnificent fashion. But it also deserved recognition, because that storytelling decision left this reviewer and likely others, wondering as to whether or not we would see more of this hybrid storytelling as season two went on. And it just so happens, that ‘A Human Face​’ did such a phenomenal job of combining both of these elements, that everyone behind the scenes decided that the next episode in this storied saga would be the perfect opportunity to try this new formula once again.

For ‘A Small Town’ is a tale that offers quite a bit of commentary on greed, ego and wealth inequality, alongside some supremely incredible events and it accomplishes the commentary side of things by introducing us to a small mountain town that finds itself in the midst of an unfamiliar crisis. For the tiny town that is Littleton, was enjoying great economic success a year ago, but once their kindhearted mayor passed away tragically in a car accident, things changed. Because the new Mayor, a man named Conley, immediately put financial interests over the good people of Littleton. Which is why his first act in office, was to take a payout from the state, so that a massive interstate project could be completed, one that cut this tiny city off from the rest of the world. And while that cash offered up a little boon for this small berg, the money simply didn't last. 

Which means that when we catch up with the fine folks of Littleton in this tale, they are in dire straits. For the economy is now in the tank, and with no money coming in, people are falling upon hard times and preparing to pack up their lives and try their luck elsewhere and this is where the episode dives deep into wealth inequality. And how this episode handles its look at that, is what makes the early segment of this tale so worthwhile. Because rather than be preachy on the matter or take aim at a specific organization, the story simply presents this particular problem in the raw. Allowing us to see its impact in an earnest fashion as people struggle to put food on the table, and this striking presentation has incredible impact upon the viewer since it feels painfully familiar and realistic, and the series deserves serious credit for presenting a growing problem in America in an objective and honest manner. 

But there was mention of the fantastical in this tale and that is handled by way of Jason Grant, a man who was married to the former mayor and he is outright desperate to see the town he loves thrive once again, and oddly enough… he gets the opportunity to make that happen. For he stumbles upon a magical diorama of Littleton, one that allows for him to in essence play god, and make changes to the town in the middle of the night. The kind that not only begin to improve the look of this once proud city, but bring business and tourists back, which in pretty incredible in its own right. But once Jason begins to feud with the mayor, over this little man taking credit for all of the changes in the town, some truly incredible moments come into play, since Jason is able to conjure a meteor strike onto Conley’s car and harass him with a giant spider in the dead of night.

However, as is often the case, greed and ego ruin all good things, and they too bring an end to Littleton's resurrection when the Mayor decides he wants on in the magic. Which in turn brings about chaos and ruin, leading one to believe that this is going to be a bleak episode of the series, one where no one gets anything but sorrow. But surprisingly, this one finds a way to close out on a happier note, one that offers a little bit of hope for Littleton and its future and really in the end, this was definitely an enjoyable tale. For it features plenty of juicy real-world concepts for the audience to chew upon, and plenty of incredible moments to enjoy as well and this hybrid of commentary and the impossible is actually working out quite well for the show. For it is adding depth to these stories and giving fans on either side what they want and hopefully the show keeps this style of storytelling going. Because it really is making the back half of season two, a real treat. Until next time.  

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