Regarded as one of television’s most influential sci-fi horror anthology series, The Twilight Zone is renowned for its blend of unique storytelling, compelling dramas, and thought-provoking themes. Created and hosted by Rod Serling, the series first graced CBS airwaves in 1959, captivating audiences until its conclusion in 1964. While the show produced numerous celebrated episodes, it also has its fair share of polarizing narratives, including the infamous finale of Season 4 featuring Burt Reynolds in a parody of Marlon Brando.
Burt Reynolds Parodies Marlon Brando in The Twilight Zone’s Season 4 Finale, “The Bard”
Aired on May 23, 1963, and directed by David Butler, “The Bard” marked a transition within the series as it moved to hour-long episodes. This particular installment is characterized as a satire, taking aim at the television industry while intertwining elements of historical figures, setting it apart from typical The Twilight Zone episodes. The storyline follows Julius K. Moomer (played by Jack Weston), a struggling screenwriter burdened by a plethora of unproduced scripts and a desperate longing for success.
Amid his frustrations, Julius becomes engrossed in a book on black magic, inadvertently summoning the iconic playwright William Shakespeare (portrayed by John Williams). Upon learning from his agent, Gerald Hugo (Henry Lascoe), about an opportunity to write a pilot for a new show centered on black magic, Julius promises to delve into the necessary research, despite his lack of knowledge about the genre.
As the plot unfolds, Julius employs Shakespeare’s genius to craft a script, which ultimately gains acceptance from producers. However, tension arises as Julius attempts to take sole credit for the work, provoking Shakespeare’s ire. The Bard, aghast at the alterations made to his original script during a rehearsal, confronts lead actor Rocky Rhodes (Burt Reynolds), resulting in a dramatic upheaval. Ultimately, Julius resorts to summoning various historical figures to aid in creating a television special on American history.
Reynolds, making his mark in the third act, delivers a strikingly comedic homage to Marlon Brando, mimicking his signature nuances, speech, and physicality. The episode even acknowledges Rhodes’ ties to “A Streetcar Named Desire,” a film that cemented Brando’s legendary status. Notably, the rivalry between Reynolds and Brando enhances the episode’s intrigue, as “The Bard” is said to ignite their infamous feud.
Why The Twilight Zone’s “The Bard”Episode Remains Controversial
“The Bard” Is Regarded by Many as One of the Worst Twilight Zone Episodes
Upon its release, “The Bard” garnered overwhelmingly negative feedback and has since been rated as the lowest of all Twilight Zone episodes on IMDb. Many viewers include it in lists of the worst episodes in the franchise. Although inherently centered around a sci-fi theme—featuring the summoning of deceased figures—its heavy comedic slant fell flat, failing to resonate with audiences. Jack Weston’s exaggerated portrayal, coupled with cartoonish sound effects, detracted from the overall tone and depth expected in the series.
Despite The Twilight Zone’s bold attempt to venture beyond its established boundaries with “The Bard,” the execution did not align with viewer expectations. The episode’s lack of captivating humor rendered it awkward at times, contributing to an overall disappointing experience. Nevertheless, Burt Reynolds’ unforgettable portrayal of Marlon Brando will forever remain a notable aspect of this contentious episode.