‘The Twilight Zone’ (2019) Recap: ‘The Who of You’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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

The other day when we settled in to discuss the wonder that is the second season of The Twilight Zone, there was brief mention of the fact that the series had yet to really dive into the fantastical, something that has been a staple of the series from its inception. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing or an insult by any means, because ‘Meet In the Middle’ and ‘Downtime’ have plenty to say about our world and humanity as a whole and when the series does that properly, well, magic happens. But once in a while, it is simply nice to let loose and enjoy a story that just goes to incredible places, the kind that are truly wild in their own right and it just so happens that the next episode of this incredible series, takes the time to step away from more cerebral storytelling, in order to provide us with one incredible and fantastical ride.    
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Which is funny, since it doesn’t seem like that is going to be the case at all, at first glance. Because initially, ‘The Who of You’ appears as though it is going to offer up some supremely deep commentary. Because in this particular tale we are introduced to a man named Harry Fink, who is at quite the low point in his life. For this Julliard trained actor has fallen upon some seriously hard times in his career, and his relationship is also on the rocks. And the lack of work, combined with the fact that his beloved girlfriend is hinting at infidelity and at being ready to leave him, motivates Harry to take some extreme measures to get his life back on track, by robbing a bank. Something that makes it seem as though this might be a story where something incredible happens, that will allow him to go back and correct the mistakes in his life.

But instead, he goes through with the robbery and whilst grabbing the money he now believes he is entitled to, something quite incredible happens to Harry, he switches places with the teller he has demanded money from. Something that almost allows for him to get away with the cash, until another officer intervenes and even then, another surprise switcheroo with a police officer named Luntz allows for Harry to escape with the cash once again. Leaving him and anyone working this case stunned and confused over the fact that the Harry Pine sitting in an interrogation room keeps claiming to be someone else and well, the wonder of this story doesn’t end there. Because at no point does a lesson begin to form in the slightest, instead, we are privy to a horrific downward spiral for Harry, one that sees him embrace and relish in his newfound power. 

Because eventually, he comes to learn that all he has to do is make sustained eye contact with someone else in order to inhabit their body, allowing for him to jump at will in order to keep his precious money safe when the police get too close. But as is often the case in this universe, eventually Harry meets his match by way of a ‘psychic’ named Keith, who figures how to distract Harry long enough to get his hands on the cash. Leading to one final desperate plot on Harry’s part to strike it rich, an act that will not be easy in the slightest. Simply because the detective on this case finally has an idea of what is happening and hopes that a face to face plea will finally stop Harry before he makes a mistake that he cannot walk back from and well, in the end, without spoiling the end, this was quite the incredible episode for certain.

For this one really does take us on quite the incredible ride, one that definitely draws you in, as does the acting. Because Ethan Embry, who plays Harry, simply knocks it out of the park in this particular tale by properly transforming into the new person that is inhabiting Harry’s body. Which allows for some incredible moments to take place, even comedic ones for that matter and well, all of the elements we’ve discussed today, simply made for one delightful tale. One that entertains, one that grabs your attention and most importantly of all, one that reminds you of the sheer magic and wonder of this franchise as a whole. If anything, this was just a welcome surprise, one that did a fine job of cleaning our mental palate and hopefully there are more fantastical tales waiting for us down the line since it really is quite the treat to just get lost in a corner of The Twilight Zone, where the impossible becomes possible. Until next time.

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