Of Oddness and Obsolescence – The Twilight Zone No. 153

The Brain Center at Whipple’s

Twilight Zone - 153 - S05E33 - 1964_05_15 - The Brain Center at Whipple's

Technician (T): Mr. Whipple, have you looked around this place lately?

Mr. Whipple (W): Looked around?

T: The cafeteria, for example. It’s like a cave. Not a soul in there. Just a few vending machines and music coming thru a loud speaker. You walked around the parking lot? It’s a dessert. No cars, no people.

W: How very enlightening!

T: This place has every thing now in the way of efficiency. But do you know what it lacks?

W: Don’t tell me.

T: Voices. Laughter. Just whatever it is that makes people feel for people. That’s what it lacks! This is a lousy place to work in, Mr. Whipple.

(Excerpt from the dialogue of Mr. Whipple and the Technician.)


Closing narration:

There are many bromides applicable here. Too much of a good thing, tiger by the tail, as you sow so shall you reap.

The point is that too often, man becomes clever instead of becoming wise. He becomes inventive but not thoughtful. And sometimes, as in the case of Mr. Whipple, he can create himself right out of existence.

Tonight’s tale of oddness and obsolescence from the Twilight Zone.

Rod Serling

References