TZ: Walking Distance

This episode revisits some of the themes presented in the last one, The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine, without having to resort to annoying and unrealistic characters. Walking Distance essentially takes TSMS and brings it up to a relatable, thoughtful, and even emotional level. Comparing the two is like comparing the Star Trek: The Original Series episode Space Seed to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The former is pretty good, but Khan is so much more effective and recognized as Kirk's villain in the film than he is in the TOS episode. When I think of 'Khan', I think about Kirk waging this epic space battle against an enemy who won't surrender even if it means giving up his life, and not the brief TOS fist fight.

"You know, you'll never have to use cursive again after 5th grade..."

Speaking of characters, right off the bat the protagonist of this story is instantly likeable. His name is Martin Sloan (Alright, when I think 'Sloan', I think of the Section 31 leader from Star Trek: DS9), and although he isn't the most exciting character on the show, he does have qualities that make him relatable. He's a fairly stern guy who doesn't really like how things are going for him in his life at the moment, but he isn't necessarily grumpy. He walks toward his home town which is within walking distance of a gas station, longing for the good ol' days like we all do sometimes.

The episode plays on this idea, and the Twilight Zone spin on it is that Sloan has actually traveled back in time to when he was just a kid. He gradually notices this as he wanders through the town: the ice cream sodas that taste just like they used to, kids playing in the streets, people who have long been dead in perfect condition. He is still his adult self, so his parents obviously have a difficult time believing his story when he confronts them, especially since the young version of himself is right there with him.

"Walking distance, yeah right."

The realization finally hits that Sloan has somehow missed out on his childhood, and runs to tell his younger self to enjoy himself while he is still young, but only succeeds in pushing him off a carousel and injuring his leg. However, the most important portion of the episode hits when Sloan sits down and has the inevitable father-son chat. His father believes that Sloan has really come from the future, and tells him that everybody has their time as a kid, when life is simple and worries are few, so Sloan should be looking towards the future instead of burying himself in the past. Finally taking this to heart, Sloan finds himself back in the present, and limps off to actually live his life.

This episode has a simple message, but it carries through surprisingly well. It's a prime example of the dreamlike storytelling that The Twilight Zone does so well, and in combination with the enthralling music really places the viewer at the heart of Sloan's unwillingness to let go of his past. If written better, I would have given this episode a 10, but some of the dialog seems just too straight forward, like this moment:

"Sorry I yelled at you, but you see... I'm a city man in search of myself. I've come back to my hometown to find a piece of my childhood. Maybe I'll find that it was here with me... all along."

This sounds more like something you would say around a campfire at 2 AM.

Score: 9

Best Quote: "You've been looking behind you, Martin. Try looking ahead."

Best Moment: Sloan's chat with his father.

Cheesy 60s Moment: Young Sloan falling off the carousel.