As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of the most beloved and inspiring episodes of Rod Serlingthe classic series of The twilight zone. “The Night of the Meek” is a unique Christmas tale that tells a magical and touching, but at the same time dark, story. I tend to revisit this episode around the holidays because I’m a huge fan of it The twilight zone.
The episode is the protagonist Art Carney, who gives a wonderful performance where he gets to really showcase his dramatic acting skills. He was mostly known for his comedy, so this was a different character to tackle. In the episode, Carney plays Henry Corwin, a penniless Santa Claus who finds himself on a journey of transformation.
This episode was born out of Serling’s excitement at seeing Carney play Santa Claus. Producer Buck Houghton recalls in the book The Twilight Zone Companion by Marc Scott Zicree: “Once in a while, Rod would have an enthusiasm. He would say to himself or to me or to Carol [Serling] or anyone else, that he particularly liked someone. There was a Christmas show we did just because he wanted to see Art Carney play Santa Claus.”
“Night of the Meek” is a story that begins with desperation but transforms into a tale of magical hope. Henry Corwin is a department store Santa Claus who, disheartened by the commercialism and lack of true Christmas spirit he sees around him, turns to alcohol for comfort. After showing up to work drunk, Corwin is fired, a turn of events that seems to confirm his bleak outlook on the holiday season.
However, the story takes a magical turn when Corwin discovers a sack in an alley. This is no ordinary sack, however, as it possesses the miraculous ability to produce whatever gift a person desires most. This discovery marks the beginning of Corwin’s transformation from a despondent drunk to a figure of hope and joy, embodying the true spirit of Christmas.
Carney’s portrayal of Corwin is fantastic! Known for his comedic role in The Honeymooners, Carney brings a depth to his character that showcases his range as an actor. He masterfully balances the comedic aspects of the role with a deeply felt dramatic performance. As Corwin discovers the magic of the sack, Carney conveys an infectious sense of wonder and joy, drawing viewers into the magic of the moment.
His transformation from a man who has lost faith in humanity to a man who embodies the generosity and spirit of Santa Claus is quite emotional and beautiful. Carney’s character isn’t just a man dressed as Santa Claus; he is the embodiment of what we all hope Santa Claus represents: kindness, generosity and the ability to bring joy to those who need it most.
There was a certain magic on set while filming the episode. Lillian Gallo, production assistant, observed the amazing atmosphere during the production with the children on set. Gallo said: “There were more children performing in that show as extras than in the other tapes, and I remember their excitement and joy. Sometimes, it was difficult for them to contain themselves during the moments when you have to be silent during the show. There was a different atmosphere throughout the filming schedule.”
However, the Christmas spirit that the episode was trying to convey didn’t resonate with all viewers. The portrayal of Santa Claus as a drunkard struck at least one member of the public, who saw it as blasphemy. This viewer’s outrage led to a barrage of angry letters directed at newspapers, CBS, and Serling himself. Some people just don’t understand and appreciate great storytelling.
In essence, “Night of the Meek” is much more than just a Christmas story; is a story about hope, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness. The episode captures the essence of the Christmas spirit, reflecting Serling’s ability to weave socially relevant themes into compelling narratives.
As we enjoy the holiday season, revisit this classic episode of The Twilight Zone and enjoy Serling and Carney’s timeless Christmas gift, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a chance for redemption and that the spirit of Christmas can manifest itself in the most unexpected ways.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
