What classic "Twilight Zone" plots found their way into later movies?

So you're watching an episode of the classic "Twilight Zone" and you feel like something's familiar -- like you've seen this plot before. Or maybe it's the reverse -- you're an avid "TZ" fan and you watch a newer movie and find the plot suspiciously familiar. Is that by accident or by design? Well, in the latest episode of the web series "Just Beneath the Surface," Bruce and Brian examine classic "TZ" episodes that inspired plots of later Hollywood movies. So from murderous talking dolls to mannequins and more, enjoy the discussion ....

Livin’ in the Land of the Lost ... 24/7!

By Brian of the Six Feet Under Hollywood blog

Long-time readers know that we love "Land of the Lost," the groovy, 1970s Saturday morning sci-fi show that featured Claymation dinosaurs, colorful sets, and of course those dastardly Sleestaks! Rumor has it that it may even be the next entry in the BRBTV book series, but more on that later. The show is now available for free on YouTube, either as individual episodes you can play at your leisure, or in a 24/7 in-order format.

That’s right. The series has its own channel where all 43 episodes play in a constant loop with minimal commercial interruptions. If you miss your favorite episode today, you can try again tomorrow! As I write this article, the season 1 classic “The Possession” plays in the background, which is at least the third or fourth time I’ve come across it since I discovered the channel.

Is the show worthy of its own YouTube channel? Definitely! The series was memorable for a variety of reasons, particularly for its four-star writing. As written by established science fiction authors of the era, including David Gerrold, Larry Niven, and Ben Bova, "Land of the Lost" was smarter than any Saturday morning series was supposed to be. It told the compelling story of the Marshall family, who were swept up (literally) into another dimension with seemingly no way back. The writers provided clues along the way, including sci-fi gadgetry (pylons), colorful visitors, and a backstory for the de-evolution of the Sleestak race.

The show proved so popular during its initial NBC run that series lead Spencer Milligan asked the producers, the delightfully imaginative Sid and Marty Krofft, for a boost in salary. They were unable to reach an agreement however, so Milligan left the show and was replaced by "Planet of the Apes" (TV) star Ron Harper as Uncle Jack. Cast shake-ups were a staple of '70s TV shows but were somewhat unusual for Saturday morning. Still, this switcheroo was handled intelligently, playing by the series’ own established rules. In order for one person to leave the "Land of the Lost," another person has to enter it.  As simple as that.

The series thrived in syndication well into the 1980s and became an after-school staple. Bolstered by its continued success, the Kroffts revived the series in 1991 with a new cast and new characters, but it failed to deliver either the drama or the ratings of the original. And then of course, there’s the 2003 comedic remake starring Will Ferrell, which was critically panned by audiences and critics alike. For fans, the original remains the best, and now there’s a convenient outlet for them to relive a little piece of their childhood, morning, noon or night.

And now it’s time to get Lost!

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Thanks so much, Brian! You can read more of Brian's work at his blog, where he explores the graves of the famous, including lots of TV stars such as Andy Kaufman, Gilda Radner, Shirley Booth, Jerry Springer, Eva Gabor and tons more.

Rest in peace, Ben ("Cooter") Jones

We don't always post when there's a death in the family of classic TV shows we cover here at BRBTV. Frankly, we don't have enough hours in the day. But we felt moved to, at the passing of Ben Jones, whom we know so well as Cooter Davenport on our beloved "Dukes of Hazzard."

Jones was a tall, tall men -- tall in terms of his actions and his regard for other human beings. He served in the Legislature and advocated for what is right, well beyond his role on "The Dukes," where his alter ego did the same. He was an activist, unafraid to take a stand and show love for all people. He spoke out in the media when he felt he had to, particularly on the issue of the Confederate flag on the roof of the General Lee. He served "Dukes" fans so wonderfully with the events he hosted over the years -- Dukesfest and others. And they were huge. Other "Dukes" cast members, along with quite a few fans, have hosted their own "Dukes" events, but none could top those of Ben and his wife, Alma. When they threw an event, people showed up. We've said before, when you can buy a bottle of water for a buck at an event, that tells you what you need to know about who's behind it. And indeed, it always told us what we needed to know about ole Cooter. His 25th anniversary celebration for Cooter's Place in Luray, Virginia, had free admission, for instance. He wasn't in it for cash -- he was spreading the love of the show and providing a safe, fun forum for people to share it.

If you want to hear very clearly Jones' thoughts on the "Dukes," watch his 2019 documentary "Hazzard Nation," where he featured interviews with cast and crew of the show, who reminisced on what the show meant to them over the years. In the doc, Jones talked lovingly of not only the show but of a way of life. This was how things were in the South. He lived it. He addressed the veiled (and not so veiled) allegations of racism about the show in more recent years, for one. There simply wasn't any. This was not what the show was about. It was about life in the South, about family, about values. About a way of living. And us fans -- so many of us kids at the time the show premiered, appreciated it more than we even realized it back then.

It feels like the end of an era. This author will dearly miss Ben Jones and what he did for us "Dukes" fans.

Above and below: Jones with his "Dukes" castmates during an interview with the "Today" show at the Dukes of Hazzard Georgia Reunion event in March 2013. From right above, Ben Jones, John Schneider, James Best (who died in 2015), Catherine Bach, the interviewer, and Rick Hurst (who died in 2025).

If you want to learn about Ben Jones, BRBTV recommends his book, "Redneck Boy in the Promised Land," which chronicles his upbringing, his time on "The Dukes," his time serving in government, and his views on a lot of topics, including the infamous Confederate flag, which he spoke out on multiple times over the years.

From Alma's post just under an hour ago:

"I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack. He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees. Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much."

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Terrific TV Toys: Scooby-Doo puzzle lunchbox, Pressman Toy Co., 2012

Have you ever wanted to work a jigsaw puzzle on your lunch break? Yeah, c'mon, we know you have. Well, Pressman Toys has the perfect thing for that, especially if you're a fan of Scooby-Doo: This oh-so practical lunchbox puzzle set was released in 2012 and features just 100 pieces, which surely you can make quick work of, while you're munching on your sandwich. Take a look at it up-close -- and see it worked in rapid time (eight-times time, actually) ...

See what else is on the Terrific TV Toys playlist.

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Rut-roh! The fun doesn't end there! Indulge your love of our favorite Great Dane with "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! A BRBTV Report," a short, snappy, exploration of the original cartoon series that started it all, back in 1969. Lots of fun facts -- and full-color images -- in e-book format for your Kindle or tablet -- and at only a buck and a half!

Visit BRBTV.com for more books celebrating the great classic TV shows you grew up with!