Ep 19. Mr. Dingle, the Strong

In The Twilight Zone season 2 episode 19, titled "Mr. Dingle, the Strong," a timid vacuum cleaner salesman named Luther Dingle is suddenly gifted with incredible strength after encountering two aliens who have come to Earth to conduct experiments on human beings. Initially, Luther is thrilled with his newfound power and becomes the talk of the town as he performs impressive feats of strength, such as lifting a car over his head and breaking a telephone pole in half.

However, the aliens soon return to take back their gift, explaining that they had meant to bestow the strength upon a more intelligent and deserving human. Luther is devastated by the loss of his strength and returns to his mundane life, feeling even more insignificant than before. However, an unexpected twist leads to a heartwarming conclusion that offers a commentary on the nature of power and the importance of kindness and compassion.

The episode is a classic example of The Twilight Zone's ability to use science fiction and fantasy elements to explore deeper themes and philosophical questions. It also features standout performances from a talented cast, including Burgess Meredith as the narrator and Don Rickles as a condescending tough guy who tries to bully Luther. Overall, "Mr. Dingle, the Strong" is a memorable and thought-provoking entry in The Twilight Zone's second season.