Ep 16. The Self-Improvement of Salvadore Ross

Salvadore Ross is a middle-aged, book-loving bank clerk whose life is monotonous and uneventful. He feels that he has not accomplished anything in his life and that he is a failure. One day, while browsing in a bookstore, he finds a self-help book called "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. Salvadore decides to buy the book and begins to apply the principles of positive thinking to his life.

As Salvadore starts to change his attitude and behavior, he discovers that the book is magical and can grant his wishes. He creates a list of goals and the book helps him achieve them one by one. Initially, the changes are minor, such as getting a new suit and a promotion at work. However, as Salvadore becomes more ambitious, he asks the book to make him rich and famous.

As Salvadore's fortunes rise, he becomes more and more egotistical and arrogant. He neglects his friends and family and starts to treat people poorly. He also becomes paranoid, believing that everyone is envious of him and that someone is trying to steal the book from him. One day, he discovers that the author of the book is actually the devil. Salvadore realizes that he has made a terrible mistake by putting his faith in the book and starts to fear for his soul.

As Salvadore becomes increasingly desperate, he tries to return the book to the bookstore where he bought it. However, the bookstore has disappeared, and he cannot find it anywhere. He starts to experience strange hallucinations and feels as though he is being followed. Salvadore becomes suicidal and decides to kill himself. However, as he stands on the ledge of a building, he sees a vision of his old self, the book-loving bank clerk. Salvadore realizes that he has lost his way and that the book has corrupted him. He tears up the list of goals and throws the book away.

In the end, Salvadore returns to his old life, but with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. He has learned that true self-improvement cannot be achieved through a magical book or by shortcuts. Instead, it requires hard work, humility, and a willingness to face one's flaws. Salvadore is content with his life and reconciles with his loved ones. The final scene shows Salvadore back in the bookstore, browsing for books like he used to before he was tempted by the self-help book.

The Self-Improvement of Salvadore Ross is a cautionary tale about the dangers of shortcuts and the false promises of self-help. It highlights the importance of finding meaning and purpose in one's life and the perils of ego and pride. The episode features strong performances by the cast, particularly Don Gordon as Salvadore Ross. It also showcases the skills of director Don Siegel, who creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Overall, The Self-Improvement of Salvadore Ross is a classic episode of The Twilight Zone that resonates with viewers to this day.