Since Sims was only 9 when this episode first aired, I wonder if he got the fall of Saigon reference when the Simpsons are airlifted from the embassy. Then again maybe the visual is obvious to young and old in this day and age.

I admire your criteria. Mine is more subjective and swayed by acting and direction as much as story or theme. So, while "Cliffordville" includes a unique spin on time travel, greed and whether you can go home again, it's severely undermined by Salmi's performance, makeup, etc. As for "Jess-Belle," I give it a pass for…

I like your top 4, but mine would rank thusly:

In the liner notes for his '82 solo album "All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes," Pete Townshend thanks Bowie and Mick Jagger for helping him through his post-Keith Moon drug and drink binge. I wonder, sometimes, if that help actually took the form of a fashion summit. To stay relevant in the '80s, each would "look…

Ha! I guess I owe you both a Coke.

I still think there was time for Sherri and Terri as the Arbus twins in The Shinning. Otherwise, it was a flawless parody. Also love the painting of the woman in full Scottish dress above Willie's bed — a nod to the African American nude above Halloran's bed in the movie.

Correcting duplicate post.

Pleasance brings similar nuance to his performance as the cowardly millionaire George in Polanski's "Cul de Sac." The character is by turns annoying, humorous, pathetic and oddly sympathetic. SPOILER ALERT: Even when George finally bests a bullying fugitive who is hiding in his castle there's no real sense of triumph…

Whitmore's performance is a tour de force, and "Thursday" is one of my favorite episodes from any season. Jay S. lists about all of the other worthwhile outings from Season 4. I would also add "Mute," which is arguably the series' most controversial. A debate-worthy study of conformity and tolerance from the now-late…

MOTW deserves a Primer. It also brought us Pray For The Wildcats… legendary camp with a legendary cast. Don't think it's on DVD unfortunately.

RIP. sir. Thanks for I Am Legend, Corman's Pit and the Pendulum, The Invaders, Nick of Time, Little Girl Lost, Death Ship, Night Call, Duel, Hell House and many others. Wherever you go, hope you're able to catch up w/ Serling, Beaumont, Bradbury et. al.

John Entwistle: Ted End
http://www.youtube.com/watc…

Of course! Same w/ L'Age d'Or.

Any one of these Bunuel films will do: "Los Olvidados," "Exterminating Angel," "Simon of the Desert," "Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoise," "That Obscure Object of Desire."

Why is a U.S. General waging war against the Shah? Is he pro-Ayatollah?

I have to say I love this episode. Unlike Earl Hamner's episodes about country folk ("The Hunt" and "Jess Belle"), I think "Last Rites" pokes fun at the parochial nature of these towns without being insulting or condescending. The docile parents marveling at Jeff's energy, Edgar Buchanan's doctor trying to contain his…

Wow. Wonderfully stated.

Since the actor playing Mr. Cox in "Kick the Can," John Marley, would go on to portray studio head Jack Woltz in "The Godfather" I can't help imagine an alternate ending in which the superintendent wakes up to find a horse's head left by the kids. Cut to an exterior shot of the rest home at dawn while he screams.

There's another Hamner episode from Season 5 that's worse — Black Leather Jackets. AKA The Wild One From Outer Space.

My parents let me listen to their copy of The Doors while eating breakfast before heading to Kindergarten. This was in 1970, and my folks were suburban hippies who were fairly permissive about their kids exploring pop culture. The lyrics in Soul Kitchen mystified me (cars stuffed with eyes, fingers weaving minarets,…