The Lineman (The Twilight Zone)

"The Lineman"
The Twilight Zone (2nd revival) episode
Episode no. Season 1
Episode 11 & 12
Directed by Jonathan Frakes
Written by Pen Densham
Production code 101A & 101B
Original air date October 23, 2002 (2002-10-23)
Guest actors

"The Lineman", a two-part story, is the eleventh and twelfth episodes of the science fiction television series 2002 revival of The Twilight Zone. The episode was first broadcast on October 23, 2002, on UPN.

Opening narration

“ Tyler Andrew Ward, a telephone lineman and charter member in the fraternity of lonely dreamers. Tyler is about to test what he wishes for to the breaking point and beyond. You might say what you're about to see is impossible. Probably in most places, but not here in the Twilight Zone. ”

Plot

Telephone lineman Tyler Ward is struck by lightning while inspecting a downed powerline. After he is resuscitated in the emergency room, he begins hearing voices and noises in his head. As they intensify, Tyler discovers he has the power to hear thoughts as a result of the lightning strike. He decides to use this gift for money. First, he begins using it to win games of poker and then begins using it to manipulate stocks to his favor. He also begins a relationship with his supervisor and long-time crush Shannon. However, as his powers grow, Tyler begins heavily drinking alcohol to calm the voices, which eventually begins impairing his judgement.

After Tyler uses his power to cause the bankruptcy of a major corporation, Shannon suggests using his powers for more productive means, like using it to determine the truth in courts or to reach people in comas. However, he rejects her suggestion and asks her to marry him, causing her to leave him. Upon seeing Shannon kiss his best friend Buddy, Tyler goes berserk. He uses his powers to mentally harm both Bud and Shannon, then goes to a church to beg for forgiveness and is struck by lightning again.

At this point, he wakes up in the same hospital bed at the beginning of the episode, however he still has his powers at maximum intensity as he starts to freak out. As Tyler is surrounded by people who try to hold him down, Forest Whitaker appears out of nowhere and issues a warning to be careful what they wish for.

Closing narration

“ Be careful what you wish for. They say the drives of the human primate are to breathe, eat, find shelter and mate. But what part of the psyche is it that never learns when it's had enough? Insurance companies say lightning strikes are acts of God. Hey, maybe he or she has nothing to do with it. Maybe they are just doorways into the Twilight Zone. ”

External links


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