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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Now that the series was on its way, Serling was given the task of doing what?

2. After completing basic training, Sterling was sent in to combat where?

3. Why did executives from the networks heavily censor the show's scripts?

4. CBS executives were finally on board with Serling's work and what happened?

5. What does Serling continue to stress is the point of "The Twilight Zone?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Serling able to break into television?

2. What does Serling have to do now that this first episode appeared on the "Desilu Playhouse?" Why?

3. How was "Playhouse 90" a good experience for Serling?

4. What is the idea behind the final script for "The Time Element?"

5. Why was Serling asked to write another script?

6. What is the purpose of this book?

7. What did Rod do after being discharged from the Army?

8. What does the psychiatrist do after being shook up by his session with Pete Jenson? What does the psychiatrist learn?

9. Why was the production of "Playhouse 90" difficult?

10. What is known about Rod Serling's family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Luckily for Rod, television was still a relatively new medium in 1953.

Part 1) How does this make him lucky? How does television's newness also hurt him?

Part 2) How did "The Twilight Zone" and Rod Serling influence television?

Part 3) What influence of Rod's do you see in television today?

Essay Topic 2

Houghton refers to "Walking Distance" as one of the best shows created in "The Twilight Zone".

Part 1) Describe "Walking Distance." Why did Houghton consider it one of the best?

Part 2) How does this episode compare to others?

Part 3) What is your favorite episode about which you have read? Why?

Essay Topic 3

"The Time Element," first premiering on the "Desilu Playhouse," was very important.

Part 1) What is "The Time Element?" How was it able to air on on the "Desilu Playhouse?" What does this say about Desi Arnaz?

Part 2) Would "The Time Element" have been later used to create "The Twilight Zone" if it had not bee first aired on the "Desilu Playhouse?" Explain.

Part 3) Why was "The Time Element" such a success? How does his childhood interests play into this success?

(see the answer keys)

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