Ep 6. Living Doll

"Living Doll" is the sixth episode of the fifth season of the classic television series, The Twilight Zone. It first aired on November 1, 1963, and was written by Charles Beaumont.

The episode follows the story of Erich Streator, a stern and controlling man who purchases a doll for his stepdaughter Christie. The doll, named Talky Tina, is a highly advanced and lifelike toy that is programmed to interact with people. At first, Erich is annoyed by the doll's constant chatter and singsong voice, but when he begins to suspect that the doll is alive and talking to him, he becomes increasingly disturbed.

As Erich's paranoia grows, he becomes convinced that the doll is out to get him. He tells his wife Annabelle and stepdaughter Christie that he wants to get rid of the doll, but they refuse to believe him. Erich's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as Talky Tina apparently starts to sabotage his life, making phone calls in his voice and causing accidents around the house.

Erich's desperation reaches a boiling point when he confronts the doll and threatens to destroy her. He is then shocked to hear the doll speak back to him, warning him that she is indestructible and that he will never be rid of her. The episode ends with Erich in a state of shock as Talky Tina promises to haunt him forever.

"Living Doll" is a classic example of the horror genre, playing on the fear of the unknown and the supernatural. The episode also deals with themes of control, manipulation, and the consequences of mistreating others. The idea of a toy coming to life and exacting revenge on its owner is a timeless one that has been explored in various forms of media over the years, and "Living Doll" remains one of the most memorable portrayals of this concept.

One of the standout features of the episode is the performance of actress June Foray, who provided the voice of Talky Tina. Foray was a prolific voice actor who appeared in numerous animated shows and films over the years, but her work on "Living Doll" is widely regarded as one of her best roles. The doll's sing-song voice and sarcastic attitude towards Erich create a sense of unease that builds throughout the episode.

Overall, "Living Doll" is a standout episode of The Twilight Zone and remains a fan favorite to this day. Its timeless themes and eerie atmosphere make it a must-watch for fans of horror and science fiction alike.