The Obsolete Man

Recently we’ve been watching The Twilight Zone a lot at my house. Many of the episodes are very dated, though offer an interesting insight into the psyche of the era. (Lots of fear of the “other” and interesting notions of “alien”.)

Right now we’re watching Obsolete Man, starring Burgess Meredith as a librarian who is deemed “obsolete” by a dystopian future. It’s a good episode, but I can’t help but feel it’s talking to me directly, as if I’m actually in the Twilight Zone. (I half expect Rod Serling to jump out from behind the sofa.)

All of you library types should watch this episode. It offers a nice reminder of what this profession means to society, and that people are always trying to brand others as “obsolete”.


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3 responses to “The Obsolete Man”

  1. […] – The Obsolete Man?…06.10.09 10 06 2009 Many thanks to Library Attack for pointing out the great “The Obsolete Man” episode of The Twilight Zone with Burgess […]

  2. Dani Vaughn-Tucker Avatar

    I use this as a discussion point for my history class. Not only is there an opportunity to talk about fascism and totalitarianism but there’s the chance to discuss human relationships, religion, careers, people, ideas, etc and when/how do they become obsolete. Honestly, one of the best episodes of The Twilight Zone evar.

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