November | 2020 | TKPN Podcast

When the past comes calling, sometimes it is very disappointing. I was bracing myself for that experience when diving back into 1981’s Darkroom. I had fond memories of the show, but nothing concrete. I couldn’t remember a single story.

Or so I thought.

Darkroom was one of a wave of anthology shows to hit television in the early half of the Eighties. I suspect it was due to the success of “Twilight Zone” in syndication and, frankly, without recurring characters, you could pay your actors dirt cheap.

Helen Hunt while her career was still developing

Now that I think about it, probably more to do with the latter of those than the former.

Good selection for reading material, James.

Darkroom was produced by Universal TV, but actually aired on ABC. I’m not sure if that is why it is currently streaming on NBC.com instead of Peacock, but who the heck understands all that stuff anyway? James Coburn, with his shock of silver hair, gravely voice, and decked out in all black turtleneck and slacks, was the host from the titular darkroom supposedly discussing some photos he is developing. Honestly, he only introduces about half of these things, so his involvement was probably filmed in a day or two.

The stories are what shines. A few of them were written by Robert “Psycho” Bloch and we get early peeks at Helen Hunt and Billy Crystal on the program. Also in the festivities is Claude Akins, David Carradine, Brian Dennehy, Rue McClanahan, June Lockhart, Jack Carter and Ron Cox.

Not too shabby?

As I watched, I smiled in glee as I figured out the “twist” endings that came shambling back from their graves in my ten year old boy’s mind. There is something very satisfying with this type of storytelling.

This story left a lasting film in my memory.

My favorite part of the show is each 60 minute show could have two or three stories/segments. They let each story take as long or short as it needed. Too often, horror overstays it’s welcome, but these get to the point, trying to beat you to the punch of figuring out the twist, and move on.

If you do nothing else, watch the episode/segment featuring Billy Crystal and Brian Dennehy called “Make Up.” It’s a great look at Billy Crystal doing a dramatic turn and has that classic Twilight Zone vibe you are looking for in a series like this.

I recommend taking a dive into the Darkroom.