The sillier episodes aren't usually known as the better parts of the series, but what would you consider the best one?
I like "A World of His Own". Its a neat idea and I just like it in general.
I'd go with that one too I think, "The Whole Truth" running a close second.
shareThe best part of "A World of His Own" was when Gregory assures Mary he'll bring her back after he's destroyed her again and she tells him not to bother this time. There's so much potential in that moment, and in a more serious episode (Matheson originally wrote "World" as darker than it ultimately turned out) that potential might have been realized. Here, however, it's ignored for ham-fisted humor.
"A World of his Own" has a cool idea, much like another comedy episode -- "A Most Unusual Camera" --- and like "Camera" would have been a classic if it had gone darker instead of settling for agreeable.
For my money, "A Penny For Your Thoughts" is probably best served by the lighter approach. It doesn't realize its full potential -- no comedy episode ever did -- but it's made with flair and the script by George Clayton Johnson, while absent of any gut-busting hilarity, does have enough disarming mirth to hold one's interest. A shame though that the focus is on Pool and not Smithers. Smither's speech about never actually intending to go through with robbing the bank is marvelously poignant and well written. I would love to learn more about him.
One of my favorite lighter episodes is "One for the Angels" mostly for the delightful performance of the great Ed Wynn.
"Escape Clause" with the wonderful David Wayne playing the self absorbed hypochondriac Walter Bedeker is another favorite. Not exactly silly, but it is funny how Walter is given a new lease on life only to attempt thrills from death defying activities.
Onc of my all time lighter episodes is "Showdown with Rance McGrew." I never see it listed as a fan favorite. But I just love Larry Blyden as the TV cowboy "hero" who is a big phony.
Bedeker calling his wife "a potato pancake" is a putdown I intend to use one of these days.
shareLOL Forgot some of the individual dialogue.
I have a TZ book which is a collection of about twenty original episodes. There are more details. Rance MCGrew is an ever bigger phony in the book, e.g., padded shoulders in his costume, three inch heels on his cowboy boots (with added lifts inside).
The whole episode nearly is just one big bushel of corn – which is interesting because generally speaking light comedy doesn’t fit well in the show. But “Rance McGrew” just works somehow.
shareMy second choice would be "Once Upon a Time" - mostly just because I love Buster Keaton.
share"Don't touch my tools!"