"What You Need" is a superlative episode that doesn't get nearly enough praise from TZ fans. This is a simple moral fable beautifully told with fine performances from the whole cast and excellent visual style - this actually feels like a film noir of the Forties. Ernest Truex as the clairvoyant old street peddler Pedott and Steve Cochran as the luckless street hustler create memorable characters. Even the minor roles - the sarcastic bartender, the has-been baseball player, the lonely young woman - register in this dark cautionary story set entirely at night and containing some tensely dramatic interactions. Excellent dialogue throughout and perfect payoff in the twist ending. One of my top ten TZ favorites, "What You Need" is an underrated gem from the outstanding first season.
Review of What You Need
