TWILIGHT ZONE----- "ESCAPE CLAUSE" Episode 6 (Season 1) Breakdown & Banter

Join us on our stroll through "The Twilight Zone" as we breakdown and discuss a classic episode of the iconic show we love so much.

Escape Clause / Episode 6 (Season 1)
Twilight Zone: "Escape Clause" - Breakdown and Banter w/ Buck and Doc

In this episode breakdown, we dive into The Twilight Zone’s Escape Clause, where Walter Bedeker, a self-absorbed hypochondriac, makes a deal with the devil (Mr. Cadwallader) for immortality—only to learn that living forever isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. After recklessly testing his newfound indestructibility, he lands in prison for murder and takes the ultimate "escape clause"—dying of a heart attack. Oops.

We discuss modern casting ideas, including Guy Pearce, John Goodman, Michael McKean, and Dan Levy, while enforcing the Burgess Meredith Rule (to avoid overusing our favorite actors). Plus, we share some hilarious fun facts—like how CBS execs wanted to censor parts of the script, but Rod Serling told them to take a hike.

Ratings? Not great. One host gives it a 4, the other a 3, citing its rushed pacing, lackluster devil, and missed potential. But hey, Reddit thinks David Wayne nailed it as Bedeker, so there's that.

Would Escape Clause work better as a stage play? Is it Unbreakable meets Groundhog Day but with more life insurance fraud? Let us know in the comments!

#TwilightZone #EscapeClause #RodSerling #ClassicTV #TwistEnding