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

2. In 1953, when Serling's work appeared on television, how did the critics respond?

3. Who is Pete Jenson in this first episode?

4. Why does the main character in this story attempt suicide?

5. Rod enlisted in what U.S. Army division?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Serling asked to write another script?

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

3. Who does Rod want to be the show's producer? Who becomes the producer? Why?

4. Describe "Escape Clause."

5. Describe Rod's experience in the Army.

6. Why was Serling able to break into television?

7. What is one of the first jobs for Houghton?

8. Describe Rod's personality.

9. Describe "The Lonely."

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Twilight Zone" lost some of its appeal in the fifth season.

Part 1) How did it lose some of its appeal?

Part 2) What could have been done, or not done, to keep the show from losing its appeal?

Part 3) Could the show have been saved and possibly revamped to entice viewers? If so, how? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 2

"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?

Essay Topic 3

Perhaps the most disturbing episode was "Long Distance Call".

Part 1) Describe "Long Distance Call". Why is this so disturbing?

Part 2) Why might television executives have accepted this script?

Part 3) How would audiences react to it today? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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