Next time I'm gonna get off. The next time I'm gonna get off at Willoughby.
Gart Williams(James Daly)has reached a point in his life when the "push, push, push" of a demanding career in the business world and an uncaring, unfeeling wife only concerned with what success reaps has him on the verge of an anxiety attack. We see Gart clutching his chest and grimacing/aching as others, such as his vicious boss, Mr. Misrell(Howard Smith)tear into him like rabid dogs. Wife Jane(Patricia Donahue)is the reason Gart has even reached the executive position, because it gets her into country clubs and the lavish, expensive apartment, the lifestyle he cares nothing about and would rather abandon. So Willoughby, a fantasy dream town where a train ride takes him when he sleeps, is perhaps a stopping-off point where Gart can escape this miserable existence and experience solace and serenity, peace and contentment. I love this episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE because I can sympathize with Gart's position. He just isn't cut out for the life "chosen for him" and Gart would prefer something not so hostile to his mind and body, so THE TWILIGHT ZONE provides a place where he can get off and alleviate the psychological trauma often compassing him about. I think many of us have the same dream as Gart, to find that "happy place" which gives us a comfort when life compounds/heaps upon us pressures and stress. And Daly competently shows the effects which have caused his troubles and harm. The ending is appropriate, I think, because Gart was on the brink and so wrapped up in breaking free, the net result of his pursuit probably couldn't end any other way.
Gart Williams(James Daly)has reached a point in his life when the "push, push, push" of a demanding career in the business world and an uncaring, unfeeling wife only concerned with what success reaps has him on the verge of an anxiety attack. We see Gart clutching his chest and grimacing/aching as others, such as his vicious boss, Mr. Misrell(Howard Smith)tear into him like rabid dogs. Wife Jane(Patricia Donahue)is the reason Gart has even reached the executive position, because it gets her into country clubs and the lavish, expensive apartment, the lifestyle he cares nothing about and would rather abandon. So Willoughby, a fantasy dream town where a train ride takes him when he sleeps, is perhaps a stopping-off point where Gart can escape this miserable existence and experience solace and serenity, peace and contentment. I love this episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE because I can sympathize with Gart's position. He just isn't cut out for the life "chosen for him" and Gart would prefer something not so hostile to his mind and body, so THE TWILIGHT ZONE provides a place where he can get off and alleviate the psychological trauma often compassing him about. I think many of us have the same dream as Gart, to find that "happy place" which gives us a comfort when life compounds/heaps upon us pressures and stress. And Daly competently shows the effects which have caused his troubles and harm. The ending is appropriate, I think, because Gart was on the brink and so wrapped up in breaking free, the net result of his pursuit probably couldn't end any other way.