Ep 14. You Drive

"You Drive" is the fourteenth episode of the fifth season of the renowned American television series "The Twilight Zone." The episode was originally aired on January 3, 1964, and is directed by John Brahm and written by Earl Hamner Jr. and Rod Serling.

The story revolves around a grumpy and rude businessman named Oliver Pope, portrayed by Edward Andrews, who seems to be having a terrible day. His car breaks down on his way to an important business meeting, and he insults a passerby who tries to assist him. As he tries to fix his car, an unusual, futuristic car pulls up and offers him a ride. The car's driver, played by a young Richard Matheson, introduces himself as a salesman from a strange car dealership.

The salesman offers Pope the keys to a sleek, black car that he claims is unbreakable and can travel at speeds up to 600 MPH. Intrigued by the vehicle's features, Pope agrees to test drive the car and decides to take it for a spin. As he drives through deserted streets, he begins to notice that the car seems to have a mind of its own. It takes him to places he didn't intend on visiting and even seems to be putting his life in danger at times.

Pope becomes increasingly agitated and terrified as the car refuses to stop and obey his commands. He soon realizes that the car is controlling him, and he is merely a passenger. The car takes him to a desolate area and dumps him out, leaving him stranded and lost. As he wanders through the empty roads, he realizes that he is in a post-apocalyptic world, and society as he knew it has ceased to exist.

Pope's journey continues as he tries to find his bearings and make sense of the strange new world he finds himself in. Along the way, he meets other survivors who have managed to adapt to the new world and even thrive in it. However, he also encounters dangerous and hostile people who will stop at nothing to survive, including murder and cannibalism.

The episode's themes and messages are timeless and still relevant today. It explores the notion of power and control and how easily it can be taken away by external forces. It also highlights the importance of empathy and kindness and the ripple effects it can have on society.

Overall, "You Drive" is a thrilling and thought-provoking episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The acting, direction, and cinematography are all superb, and the episode's twist ending will leave viewers questioning their own perceptions of reality. It remains an iconic installment of "The Twilight Zone" and a must-watch for fans of the series.