Ep 4. The Town Where No One Got Off

In "The Town Where No One Got Off," the fourth episode of season one of The Ray Bradbury Theater, a traveler named Hall and his friend Billy decide to take an impromptu train journey through the American Southwest. Along the way, they come across a small town named Summit, which sticks out to them due to the fact that no one ever seems to get off the train there.

Despite Billy's skepticism, Hall insists on getting off the train to explore the town. As soon as they step onto Summit's platform, however, they are hit by a strange sense of unease. The town looks like it hasn't changed much in decades, and the residents seem almost too friendly and accommodating. Even the train conductor warns them not to linger.

As Hall and Billy make their way through Summit, they begin to uncover some sinister secrets. The town seems to be populated entirely by elderly people who are all too eager to keep the travelers there. Every attempt Hall and Billy make to leave is met with obstacles – either the train is delayed, the road is closed, or their car stops working.

As they spend more time in Summit, Hall and Billy start to notice something odd about the town's residents. They all seem to harbor a deep sadness, as if they are waiting for something that will never come. One particularly unsettling encounter with an old man and his daughter leaves Hall shaken.

Despite their growing unease, Hall and Billy push on, determined to uncover the truth about Summit. They eventually discover that the town is under the control of a mysterious doctor, who has been keeping the elderly residents alive long past their natural lifespans. The doctor has created a sort of utopia for them, where they can live out their days without the pain and suffering of old age.

In the end, Hall and Billy are able to escape Summit, but not before witnessing the town's eerie, utopian facade crumble. The reality of the doctor's experiment is revealed, and it is clear that the people of Summit are not as content as they appear. Hall is left wondering if the pursuit of immortality is worth sacrificing the vibrancy and unpredictability of life.

"The Town Where No One Got Off" is a haunting and thought-provoking episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to cheat death. Bradbury's signature blend of science fiction and horror makes this episode a standout among the series, and the eerie atmosphere of Summit is sure to stick with viewers long after the credits roll.