The Magic of Rod Serling's THE TWILIGHT ZONE Christmas Episode "The Night of the Meek"
As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to revisit one of the most beloved and thought-provoking episodes of Rod Serling's classic series, The Twilight Zone. "Night of the Meek" is a unique Christmas tale that tells a magical and heartwarming, yet dark story. I tend to revisit this episode during the holidays because I’m a huge fan of The Twilight Zone.
The episode stars Art Carney, who delivers a wonderful performance where he gets to really show off his dramatic acting skills. He was mostly known for his comedy, sot this was a different character for him to take on. In the episode, Carney plays Henry Corwin, a down-and-out department store Santa Claus who finds himself on a transformative journey.
This episode was born out of Serling's excitement about seeing Carney play Santa. Producer Buck Houghton recalls in Marc Scott Zicree's The Twilight Zone Companion book, "Once in a while, Rod would have an enthusiasm. He'd say to himself or to me or to Carol [Serling] or whomever, that he particularly liked somebody. There was a Christmas show that we did just because he wanted to see Art Carney play Santa Claus."
"Night of the Meek" is a story that begins with despair but transitions into a tale of magical hope. Henry Corwin is a department store Santa Claus who, disheartened by the commercialism and lack of true holiday spirit he sees around him, turns to alcohol for solace. After showing up to work drunk, Corwin is fired, a turn of events that seems to confirm his bleak view of the holiday season.
However, the story takes a magical turn when Corwin discovers a sack in an alley. This is no ordinary sack, though, 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 great! 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 sack's magic, Carney conveys a sense of wonder and joy that is infectious, drawing viewers into the magic of the moment.
His transformation from a man who has lost faith in humanity to one who embodies the generosity and spirit of Santa Claus is quite emotional and beautiful. Carney's character is not just a man in a Santa suit; 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 the set while shooting the episode. Lillian Gallo, a production assistant, observed the remarkable atmosphere during its production with the children on the set. Gallo said: "There were more children performing on that show as extras than on the other tape shows, and I remember their excitement and their joy. Sometimes, it was difficult for them to contain themselves during the times that you have to be quiet during the show. There was a different atmosphere throughout that shooting schedule."
However, the spirit of Christmas that the episode was trying to get across did not resonate with all viewers. The portrayal of Santa Claus as a drunkard struck a nerve with at least one audience member, who saw it as blasphemy. This viewer's outrage led to a flurry of angry letters directed at newspapers, CBS, and Serling himself. Some people just don’t understand and appreciate great storytelling.
At its heart, "Night of the Meek" is more than just a Christmas story; it's a tale about hope, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness. The episode captures the essence of the holiday spirit, reflecting Serling's ability to weave socially relevant themes into compelling narratives.
As we enjoy the holiday season, revisit this classic Twilight Zone episode and enjoy the timeless Christmas gift from Serling and Carney, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a possibility for redemption and that the spirit of Christmas can manifest in the most unexpected ways.