"Alcoa Presents" (1959)
[TV-Series: 1959-1961]

edge-16
new jersey, usa

Date: 23 March 1999
Summary: Who Needs The Twilight Zone?

I've been watching "One Step Beyond" since the early 1970's and am happy to have many episodes on video, so I have seen basically all 96 episodes and all I have to say is, Who Needs The Twilight Zone? Sure, the "Zone" had better production values and more money and clout behind it but Rod Serling's show was rarely scary or atmospheric and relied heavily on "surprise" or "twist" endings. "One Step" was genuinely scary and atmospheric throughout each episode. The moody black and white photography and the spine chilling background music only added to the atmosphere. This was a truly scary show based on actual documented cases of ESP and the paranormal and gives the viewer a sense of uneasiness when watching. Host John Newland was perfect in his role because he really believed what he was telling you and his monotone voice and unexpected appearances on the screen added to the surreal feeling of the show. I always said that THE perfect example of what an extended episode of "One Step" is like is to view the classic film "Carnival Of Souls". Enough said.