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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. Serling was encouraged to do what?

2. Serling's girlfriend recalls that Serling had a reputation of being what?

3. Since "The Time Element" had already appeared on the "Desilu Playhouse," what was Serling required to do?

4. What did executives think about Serling's new script?

5. After the move, Rod went to work as a staff writer for whom?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe "The Lonely."

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

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

5. What did Serling do in Cincinnati?

6. Describe Rod's personality.

7. What task is Serling given, which is eventually delivered by him?

8. Why were the executives worried about buying "The Twilight Zone" as a serial?

9. Describe "Escape Clause."

10. What does Serling do over the next nine months?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

When the show was renewed, the format was changed.

Part 1) How was the format prior to the change? How was it changed?

Part 2) Why was the format prior to the change? Was this a good idea? Why or why not?

Part 3) Did this change last? Why or why not? How did changes affect the show?

Essay Topic 3

Rod and his brother, Bob, enjoyed reading and acting out science fiction pulps.

Part 1) How else are these two brothers similar? How does this affect their relationship?

Part 2) What does this reveal about Rod's personality and interests? How does this foreshadow his future?

Part 3) What would have been another suitable career for Rod? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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