The Twilight Zone Companion by Marc Scott Zicree Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Twilight Zone Companion
Book Review: definitive guide...
Summary: 5 Stars
There is nothing else like this book. If you like the series, or if you still watch the series, you've got to have this book. It is an excellent effort, a lot of historical tid-bits. Many observations and insights. It does have chapters on "Twilight Zone-The Movie," and the later Twilight Zone TV series. It also has info on "Night Gallery." It's fun to read and a great compainion to watching the episodes, it helps you appreciate the acting and writing talent much more. While you're at it, be sure and locate and buy a Twilight Zone Pinball machine - it's also excellent.Book Review: Twilight Zone Companion is a TZ fan's best companion!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first laid eyes on this book (at my grandpa's house), I only wanted to check it out. But after I read it, it changed me from a kid who only heard about Twilight Zone from my mom to a huge Twilight Zone fan! This book gives you the scoop on every single episode. A definite must-have, even if you've barely heard of Twilight Zone before!Book Review: A Must Have For TZ Fans
Summary: 5 Stars
I got a copy of the Twilight Zone Companion back in the 80's, probably not long after publication. It has been very helpful as my goal is to see every TZ episode. As of today, I have seen 145. I have used mine so much it fell out of its binding years ago. Zicree took the time to put this book together in a very helpful format.I only wish that he would have put the episodes in order of their airing date. There were a few mistakes (left out words) in the first edition text with Rod Serlings opening and closing episode dialogs. Hopefully this has been corrected in the second printing. I have been in search for a new one and am so excited to find I can order one. If you are a die hard TZ fan, get your copy today.Book Review: Twilight Zone Companion? -- Yes!
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a good companion book to an outstanding television series. Each of the episodes is reviewed in varying amounts of detail (a weakness which the author allowed to bleed though into his work) from very detailed and complete with character quotes to a sketchy couple of lines. However, each episode has Rod's introduction and summary included for the reader's enjoyment.The real benefit of reading this work is the behind the scenes insights you'll get on the writers and producers of the series -- as well as the typical network ratings vs production battle. Some coverage of the more used actors may also be found in the volume -- although detail is limited.
The book itself is organized by season and show - with some background on the 'why' of the series. Individual episodes can easily be located making this an excellent 'by the television' book to have. Stills from the series are limited to what appears to be a 'stock' photo; but this doesn't detract much from the overall value of the book.
One thing is for certain ... you'll know which episodes Marc though well of and which he didn't from the capsulations. Ones he didn't like get a very short treatment.
* Recommended *
~P~
Book Review: Three outa five
Summary: 3 Stars
It goes without saying that if you're a TZ fan, you gotta have this book on hand. Certainly there's a lot in Zicree's work. Quotations from interviews with many cast members and Buck Houghton (producer of the first three seasons) are included, perhaps the best feature of the book. He gives decent analyses to perhaps 30 per cent of the episodes, but the remainder are slapdash and filled with often rash-sounding, often objectionable statements. Examples: he rattles off a forgettable three sentences for his review of "The Whole Truth" (a mediocre episode, but certainly more could be said) and yet he devotes nearly five pages to "Nothing in the Dark" and "The Bard" (average episodes at best). More photographs should defintely have been included...the ones included are often small stills from the episodes. A few nice ones are included but for such a visual series as TZ, this book needs more pics. Even more cast interviews would have been nice, as well. I'd never call this a seriously flawed effort. It coulda been far, far better, though.