Harry Anderson of 'Night Court' fame is aces as Leon, a TV writer struggling to find work, despite the best efforts of his agent Seymour Furman (the always welcome Dick Miller of such features as "Gremlins"). Then, one day, his answering machine takes on a life of its own, placing calls to others, including Leons' fed-up girlfriend Dolores (Marcie Barkin, "Fade to Black"). Even when Leon unplugs the machine, this disembodied voice from the machine remains a persistent, nagging presence in his life.
One of the best of the early 'Tales from the Darkside' episodes, this gives the usually comic actor Anderson a good serious showcase, and he's convincing as a guy who suspects that he may be losing it. It also allows him to have some fun, playing this sort of "alternate reality", more obnoxious & pushy version of himself, in this tale of technology (such as it was almost 40 years ago) run amok. Miller, Ms. Barkin, and Tom Newman ("Cape Fear" '62), as network executive Quentin Karp, offer fine support.
Overall, this was a good episode that impressively walked a line between humor and more serious elements - without ever getting particularly unpleasant.
Seven out of 10.