When a good guy becomes a megalomaniac, the results lead to his destruction, but not to the destruction of his followers. Capain Benteen is a leader who has saved his followers from the elements and from each other, but could not save himself from his own inner shortcomings, and left himself marooned both physically and spiritually. Kind of like Moses who could save his people but never enter the promised land, or John Wayne in "The Searchers," a man needed to win the West, but once the West was won, a man who needed to be left behind. Clearly the best of the one hour long Twilight Zones, this episode had character and complexity. The setting could easily have been Antarctica or an Earthly desert as opposed to an alien one, and shows that people have the same feelings, needs, emotions, and failings both now and a hundred years from now.
39 Reviews
Lost in His Own Mind
Hitchcoc19 April 2014
Brian Jones founded the Rolling Stones. Once Mick Jagger and Keith Richards outshone him, he lost the will to live. At least that's how the story goes. James Whitmore's Captain Benteen is truly a saint. He has taken a group of misfit pilgrims on a fated voyage from earth and inspired them to stay alive. He uses strength and compassion or whatever it takes to allow them to survive. He also invokes his religion. His greatest ally, however, is the continuing promise of their returning to earth ("a spaceship is on its way"). He even leads them in chants that gird their courage. Then one day, the promised ship actually appears with a group of impressive astronauts who have come to take them back. Unfortunately for Benteen, he is quickly replaced in the adoration of his "subjects" by these young men. Of course, what happens next is obvious. The Captain begins to see himself as an actual messiah. There is a pathetic scene where he begins to pound at one of the standards of the space ship (actually a flying saucer) with a piece of petal. We see him sweating and grimacing as his kingdom comes undone. In addition to the obvious moral implications at work here, the greatest asset of this episode is the acting of James Whitmore. He never quite got his due as an actor, but almost every time he was on screen he did an admirable job. This is one of the more memorable of the Zone offerings.
As Good As It Gets for '60's TV Drama
lrrap9 June 2019
Poor Rod Serling...who labored so hard and with such intensity on his baby, The Twilight Zone. And after three-and-a-half seasons of continually churning out scripts for the show, the fatigue and inspirational drain was really showing. But somehow, he reached back and came up with a true masterpiece of drama, characterization and insight.
A superbly crafted script, beautifully shaped and proportioned, with not a single word of padding, in my opinion. Everything flows and seems instinctively RIGHT, a perfectly designed 50-minute chamber play that manages to probe the complexity and depths of one man's nearly maniacal obsession to control.
But it's so SUBTLE...so real...so natural, and James Whitmore's superb performance demonstrates just how awesome a truly talented actor is, who can quickly learn and completely absorb a lengthy, challenging role, then deliver a flawless performance on a short, tightly-budgeted schedule.
Serling's GRADUAL, expertly paced control over the script's CONFLICT between Whitmore and Tim O'Connor---starting with O'Connor's innocently addressing Whitmore as "MR" Benteen before being gently but firmly corrected--- is a marvel to behold. I especially appreciated the carefully designed scene between Whitmore and O'Connor in his office aboard the ship, which begins cordially, but soon confirms the inevitable deterioration of their personal and professional relationship. This, of course, will lead logically to the big confrontation scene where O'Connor, his patience exhausted, confronts Whitmore in front of the colonists and forces them to vote on their own fate.
One of the IMDB reviewers described the tragedy of William Benteen as Shakespearean--- an entirely appropriate observation, I believe. All the more impressive an achievement for Mr. Serling, breaking the bonds as it were of the creative pressure-cooker into which he had placed himself with his beloved series.
A superb achievement in the annals of TV drama...1.) script (Serling) 2.) acting (Whitmore and O'Connor) and 3.) Direction (Kulik).
Only problem is the so-obviously fake scenic backdrop, something which you just have to accept and ignore. LR
A superbly crafted script, beautifully shaped and proportioned, with not a single word of padding, in my opinion. Everything flows and seems instinctively RIGHT, a perfectly designed 50-minute chamber play that manages to probe the complexity and depths of one man's nearly maniacal obsession to control.
But it's so SUBTLE...so real...so natural, and James Whitmore's superb performance demonstrates just how awesome a truly talented actor is, who can quickly learn and completely absorb a lengthy, challenging role, then deliver a flawless performance on a short, tightly-budgeted schedule.
Serling's GRADUAL, expertly paced control over the script's CONFLICT between Whitmore and Tim O'Connor---starting with O'Connor's innocently addressing Whitmore as "MR" Benteen before being gently but firmly corrected--- is a marvel to behold. I especially appreciated the carefully designed scene between Whitmore and O'Connor in his office aboard the ship, which begins cordially, but soon confirms the inevitable deterioration of their personal and professional relationship. This, of course, will lead logically to the big confrontation scene where O'Connor, his patience exhausted, confronts Whitmore in front of the colonists and forces them to vote on their own fate.
One of the IMDB reviewers described the tragedy of William Benteen as Shakespearean--- an entirely appropriate observation, I believe. All the more impressive an achievement for Mr. Serling, breaking the bonds as it were of the creative pressure-cooker into which he had placed himself with his beloved series.
A superb achievement in the annals of TV drama...1.) script (Serling) 2.) acting (Whitmore and O'Connor) and 3.) Direction (Kulik).
Only problem is the so-obviously fake scenic backdrop, something which you just have to accept and ignore. LR
Wonderful script, wonderful acting, achingly beautiful score. What more could you want?
misassistant6 January 2013
Most of the hour-long TZ episodes from season four were unnecessarily long and loaded with padding to fill them out, with few exceptions ("Death Ship," for one), but "Thursday" is unquestionably the finest of the fourth season, and in my opinion right there in the top ten of all TZ episodes, a very high bar to clear, given the unusually high quality of the series. This is a story about a man, who calls himself Captain Benteen (James Whitmore) who has used his sheer force of will to hold together a small colony trapped on a desolate planet overheated by a binary star, one that they mistakenly thought would be a kind of utopia, an escape from an Earth that had become to dangerous, too warlike. Benteen came to this bleak place when he was only fifteen, so you know that his title is one he gave himself, which nicely explains his behavior later on, when a chance for salvation for the colony becomes possible. Benteen is intelligent, strong, benevolent, kind, and dictatorial, all at the same time, a very complex man. You can see this so well when he swiftly punishes a sleeping watch stander one minute, then the next minute treats broken bones with a tender touch, then (best of all) soothes a young boy and the rest of his people by so touchingly telling them about what Earth had been like, since few of them had been born there. He is neither villain nor hero, only all too human. Even the soundtrack is top shelf, especially the beautiful strings used during Benteen's speech he used to comfort his people after the meteor shower. Serling liked to make his characters multi-faceted, and Benteen's fate is all the more powerful for that complicated nature. If you haven't seen this one, you definitely owe it to yourself to watch it. btw...Frank Darabont chose Whitmore to play the role of Brooks Hatlen in "The Shawshank Redemption" specifically because of his magnificent performance in this TZ episode, and I wholeheartedly agree with his choice for that reason.
not an allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism
jcravens4210 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
First off, I agree with everyone else that this is one of the best episodes of the show: The writing is superb. The special effects don't over-reach. It holds up now, more than 45 years later. It's one of my favorite episodes, and represents just how good this show can be.
But I disagree that this episode is "an allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism." The episode makes a point of illustrating that it was Captain Benteen's leadership that kept the colony alive in dire conditions. Had it not been for his leadership, the colony would have perished. He really *did* know what was best for the colony, when they were trying to merely survive. As a result, the colony looked to him as their leader. And even dissent was allowed.
To me, this episode is an allegory for something much more complex: what happens when someone clings to power and isn't willing to acknowledge it's time to step aside; it's an allegory for when a leader stops putting what's best for their people or community first and, instead, puts his or her power and importance first. There are political examples and religious-based examples of this all around us today, people who started off as good, even great leaders, and then became more concerned about their power and stature than those they are meant to lead/serve. I guess they were rather common in Serling's day as well. Actually, they are probably as old as civilization itself.
My only criticism of the episode is that I think the Captain would have stayed in that cave, talking to his "flock", and would never have run out and begged, "Take me with you."
But I disagree that this episode is "an allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism." The episode makes a point of illustrating that it was Captain Benteen's leadership that kept the colony alive in dire conditions. Had it not been for his leadership, the colony would have perished. He really *did* know what was best for the colony, when they were trying to merely survive. As a result, the colony looked to him as their leader. And even dissent was allowed.
To me, this episode is an allegory for something much more complex: what happens when someone clings to power and isn't willing to acknowledge it's time to step aside; it's an allegory for when a leader stops putting what's best for their people or community first and, instead, puts his or her power and importance first. There are political examples and religious-based examples of this all around us today, people who started off as good, even great leaders, and then became more concerned about their power and stature than those they are meant to lead/serve. I guess they were rather common in Serling's day as well. Actually, they are probably as old as civilization itself.
My only criticism of the episode is that I think the Captain would have stayed in that cave, talking to his "flock", and would never have run out and begged, "Take me with you."
Wow.
bps301326 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Caught this one for the first time on SciFi channel the other night and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't only a solid episode, but one of the very best TZ has ever produced. On Thursday We Leave For Home is one of the best written, emotionally resonant and well acted episodes in the shows entire history. I kept trying to guess the trademark "ironic twist" that I knew had to be coming as the end approached, but my guesses were totally wrong, and when the coda finally hit, it was one of the most effective gut punches ever, even by TZ standards. You really felt for Benteen, the defacto leader who only wanted what was best for his people, which was wonderfully underscored by the suitably downbeat ending. Hats off to Msrs. Serling and Whitmore. A stunning success. Highly recommended.
A special episode in every way
medelste10 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I hadn't seen this since the early 1980s. What a pleasure to watch. And not just from a dramatic standpoint either. Whitmore is mesmerizing, and Tim O'Connor (Dr. Huer from Buck Rogers to my generation) employs the perfect touch of "this guy is crazy but I'm going to humor him as long as I can". But just knowing how steeply the quality of Serling's output had fallen, especially during Season Four, makes "Thursday" even more special. Unlike the grinding disaster of "Thirty Fathom Grave", "Thursday" makes it obvious that Serling loved the character of Benteen and threw every ounce of his writing talent behind him. In contrast to most Season Fours, this would have made a terrible half-hour show; at an hour it's paced subtly and meticulously, with Benteen manifesting his personality right before our eyes. "Thursday" is nearly Shakespearean in its pathos -- we pity and respect Benteen for his life-saving achievements even as we shake our heads at his mania. The word that comes to mind is 'horrifying'. How could a man who's devoted his life to the memory of Earth stay behind? Worse, how could he possibly expect everyone ELSE to remain with him? Given Serling's masterful writing and Whitmore's portrayal, it all makes excruciating sense in the end.
Rare stellar episode of TZ
TerminalMadness26 January 2010
When I say rare stellar episode of Twilight Zone I mean that it's one of the few good hour long episodes of the anthology series.
I caught this episode on a marathon here in America on the Scyfy channel and found it to be quite excellent.
Sure some of it is padded, but the overall message is pretty powerful. As well the climax is also pretty stunning with a look at what happens when men are given too much power and what it does to their mind and overall sanity.
James Whitmore's performance is quite great as a man who is a mixture of obnoxious, controlling, and just plain pathetic. He's a man whose taken the role of provider much too seriously and thinks of himself as a god of sorts.
I won't ruin the whole episode for you, but it's a really good look at the god complex.
As for the other "Twilight Zone" episodes that run at an hour, they're all really hit or miss, but this one is really quite good.
I caught this episode on a marathon here in America on the Scyfy channel and found it to be quite excellent.
Sure some of it is padded, but the overall message is pretty powerful. As well the climax is also pretty stunning with a look at what happens when men are given too much power and what it does to their mind and overall sanity.
James Whitmore's performance is quite great as a man who is a mixture of obnoxious, controlling, and just plain pathetic. He's a man whose taken the role of provider much too seriously and thinks of himself as a god of sorts.
I won't ruin the whole episode for you, but it's a really good look at the god complex.
As for the other "Twilight Zone" episodes that run at an hour, they're all really hit or miss, but this one is really quite good.
Not easy to abdicate being God
bkoganbing13 October 2013
James Whitmore leader of a group of space colonizers from earth has led a group out in space for thirty years and truth be told he's done a job. Through his own indomitable will he's kept the people together on a hard planet which orbits two suns and is like Mercury with no spinning on its axis. The group lives underground, it's the only way they can live.
But rescue in the form of a ship from earth commanded by Tim O'Connor has arrived and they want to take them back to earth which according to O'Connor hasn't had any cataclysmic wars or other kinds of events. Just about the same as those who remember of the colonists do.
At first Whitmore is as excited as the rest of them and then it hits him, he's really no longer needed. He's used to being God like in his authority and its not easy to abdicate being God.
This is not really a true Twilight Zone type story, no paranormal events, no unearthly beings. Still it's well acted and constructed and Whitmore and O'Connor make a fine pair of adversaries. A great lesson in the use of power and when you have to surrender it.
But rescue in the form of a ship from earth commanded by Tim O'Connor has arrived and they want to take them back to earth which according to O'Connor hasn't had any cataclysmic wars or other kinds of events. Just about the same as those who remember of the colonists do.
At first Whitmore is as excited as the rest of them and then it hits him, he's really no longer needed. He's used to being God like in his authority and its not easy to abdicate being God.
This is not really a true Twilight Zone type story, no paranormal events, no unearthly beings. Still it's well acted and constructed and Whitmore and O'Connor make a fine pair of adversaries. A great lesson in the use of power and when you have to surrender it.
Sort of like a sci-fi version of "Paradise Lost"....
planktonrules9 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This episode starred James Whitmore and considering that he was a darn fine actor, that alone is reason to see this one! The show begins on a hot and desolate planet. For thirty years, this colony has struggled against the odds to survive...though they hardly thrive. In fact, their one consolation that maybe one day a rescue party will arrive to take them off this god-forsaken hole back to the beauty of the Earth. Much of the reason they were able to go on was the strong leadership of Whitmore. His energy and faith has kept them going all these years. However, when a rescue party finally does arrive, instead of being thrilled, Whitmore seems to think that once back on Earth they will remain a community--with him in charge as always. It seems that at least to Whitmore, he's become almost like a cult leader or god--and he eventually becomes terrified at losing control.
The plot is very interesting as a study in egocentrism and power. Like Satan in "Paradise Lost", Whitmore would really prefer to stay on the hellish planet as boss than go back to Earth and become just one of many. Well written, acted and thought-provoking.
The plot is very interesting as a study in egocentrism and power. Like Satan in "Paradise Lost", Whitmore would really prefer to stay on the hellish planet as boss than go back to Earth and become just one of many. Well written, acted and thought-provoking.
"We thought we could build an even better place".
classicsoncall7 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The downfall of all megalomaniacs is virtually guaranteed, whether based on an ideology or in a quest for personal power. The goal of a utopia begins with the idealistic notion that everyone within a particular community adheres to the exact same principals and ideals that would allow them to live in harmony. My own belief is that it might work in a village of two people, but add a third and success is no longer a possibility. I was intrigued by another reviewer's comparison to Jonestown and it's charismatic leader. That horrific chapter in human history ended in mass suicide, a testament to the power of demagoguery and the failure of people to think for themselves.
The interesting thing about this episode was that the members of the community DID manage to think for themselves. Actually, they were emboldened to set new goals for themselves by the recollections of Captain Benteen's (James Whitmore) life on Earth some thirty years earlier. Ironically, those recollections would clarify Benteen's own reasons for returning to Earth, though mere minutes too late.
It's curious to me that many of Rod Serling's tales of the future didn't involve traveling thousands of years ahead in time like a lot of sci-fi shows and movies of the era did. There was a glimpse of a memorial dating the colony's formation in 1991, so even thirty years of being stranded would bring the time frame of the episode to 2021. Heck, that's only about a decade away, so viewers eleven years from now should get more than a kick out of the story. By that time, kids will be talking about the 1960's as the old days.
The interesting thing about this episode was that the members of the community DID manage to think for themselves. Actually, they were emboldened to set new goals for themselves by the recollections of Captain Benteen's (James Whitmore) life on Earth some thirty years earlier. Ironically, those recollections would clarify Benteen's own reasons for returning to Earth, though mere minutes too late.
It's curious to me that many of Rod Serling's tales of the future didn't involve traveling thousands of years ahead in time like a lot of sci-fi shows and movies of the era did. There was a glimpse of a memorial dating the colony's formation in 1991, so even thirty years of being stranded would bring the time frame of the episode to 2021. Heck, that's only about a decade away, so viewers eleven years from now should get more than a kick out of the story. By that time, kids will be talking about the 1960's as the old days.
ONE OF THE BEST SCREENS OF THE ENTIRE SERIES
asalerno1029 May 2022
Here we are not going to see deformed aliens, nor a character in unlikely situations. This episode is about human behavior, their feelings, their frustrations and their selfishness. The first colony of earthlings has been stranded for 30 years on a desolate and hostile planet. One of them has been in charge all this time of organizing them to survive as well as possible in an unfavorable environment and maintains the hope that one day they will be rescued and return to Earth to enjoy a more comfortable life. That day arrives and a rescue mission descends, everyone is happy, but we observe little by little how that leader is becoming blurred, he begins to feel forgotten and without authority, the rudeness begins with the captain of the ship who brings a message of freedom absolute that, its until now leader, does not approve. On the one hand, he claims to protect them, but in reality, he cannot accept that no one depends on him as before. The script is great and James Whitmore's performance as the leader of the group of settlers is masterful. An episode that explores human behavior, which speaks of power, freedom, autonomy, submission and even democracy.
Well played by Whitmore, but time makes for an unkind perspective
darrenpearce1114 December 2013
Firstly, James Whitmore and the rest of the cast are good. TZ is the most imaginatively human TV show about human issues, and the tired, wretched characters here clinging onto life are testament to that fact. Captain Benteen is obsessed with his own role in charge of the desperate people who settled on another planet decades ago. The people can go back to Earth to live, but that will require individuality from the community members and the fanatical leader, Benteen. The themes of survival and power are interesting here if you can get into one of the heavier-going episodes.
Trouble is, what was once futuristic is now long past. The stereotypical alien flying saucer that the rescue party arrives in doesn't help, nor does the meteor special effects.
Not a must see, but it's a competent, dour story that works better than most space travel Zones. James Whitmore powerful as usual.
Trouble is, what was once futuristic is now long past. The stereotypical alien flying saucer that the rescue party arrives in doesn't help, nor does the meteor special effects.
Not a must see, but it's a competent, dour story that works better than most space travel Zones. James Whitmore powerful as usual.
Excellent Twilight Zone episode
bureau20324 January 2008
Captain Benteen is a leader. He has led this group of "pioneers" leading a hard scrabble existence on a lonely, barren rock of a planet for 30 years, and tomorrow, a space ship is coming to take the forlorn group back to earth. All he has ever known is to be the leader of this group of 187. And when the ship comes, and everyone goes home and gets to live in freedom, what will happen to him then? This is the primary question brought up by this episode. How will Benteen deal with the loss of his authority and power? Will he be eager to lose his position as the leader of these people? Well, maybe this episode is a warning about what happens when power becomes ingrained.
This is one of the most effective and memorable Twilight Zone episodes. It still resonates with power and meaning today.
If this episode isn't an allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism, socialism or just those who think they know what's best for the rest of us, it ought to be.
This is one of the most effective and memorable Twilight Zone episodes. It still resonates with power and meaning today.
If this episode isn't an allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism, socialism or just those who think they know what's best for the rest of us, it ought to be.
The best of the long-form Twilight Zone episodes
grantss6 November 2020
A party of colonists has been stranded on a far-flung, inhospitable planet for 30 years. During that time their leader, Benteen, has built himself up to be a God-like figure. Now a rescue party has arrived to take them back to Earth. Things should be absolutely peachy but Benteen is now seeing his power slip away.
Fantastic episode, one of the best of the entire series and certainly the best of the long-form episodes that made up Season 4. Engaging, interesting and thought-provoking as we see the lengths a person will do to cling to power even when it means disadvantaging the people they're in power over and themselves. A great psychological study.
Fantastic episode, one of the best of the entire series and certainly the best of the long-form episodes that made up Season 4. Engaging, interesting and thought-provoking as we see the lengths a person will do to cling to power even when it means disadvantaging the people they're in power over and themselves. A great psychological study.
Exceptional !!!
mikelcat24 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
A great episode from a great show ! James Whitmore gives a fine performance as Capt. Bentine a good guy really who only wanted to help . He held the people together and gave them hope , maintained discipline and cared for them as well , all the while becoming totally consumed with his role as leader and more than that inflicted with megalomania , which reveals itself painfully in the second half of this one hour episode .The lengths he goes to , to hold on to his domain are pathetic yet real to anyone who's been desperate in their lives , although he seems to be touched with mental illness as well . All in all a good illustration of a mind gone wrong . Another Rod Serling gem !
One of my top 10 favorite Twilight Zone episodes!
scottmwade-16 January 2014
Rod Serling was a genius and this episode is certainly proof of that. His writing and plot development are superb here. The character "Captain" Benteen's rise to dominance could be viewed an allegory for need of some people to dominate others in a general sense. James Whitmore's acting is excellent as well and he does a great job of bringing the self-appointed autocrat "Captain" Benteen to life. Whitmore's soliloquy at the close of the episode is especially memorable and poignant. As an afterthought, this storyline would probably translate well to a play as it all takes place in one basic environment, and so would require only a simple stage set up - so would be fairly easy from a "Props" perspective for a small theater company to perform.
Rod Serling at his very best
ynotmacao22 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
In the normal vastness of the wasteland that is TV, it is extremely rare when you find a piece that has the elements of a) power of message and b) quality of presentation that is found in this episode from Twilight Zone. It brilliantly presents the dynamics that result when circumstances bring official and unofficial leaders into a face-off; a theme that is reminiscent of the Alec Guinness/John Mills characters in "Tunes of Glory", but with a different outcome that is equally credible and moving.
This episode is a must-see for any who experience this scenario in our daily lives (which is most of us!).
This episode is a must-see for any who experience this scenario in our daily lives (which is most of us!).
Captain Benteen
ironside215 August 2010
This was one of my favorite TZ episodes and I grew up with them from the beginning. What is interesting about this one is Rod Serling's naming of the starship captain "Captain Benteen" which was the name of one of Custer's doomed company commanders at Little Big Horn. A great historical allusion which is sorely lacking in TV today. James Whitmore did a great job portraying a benevolent dictator trying to hang onto his power, which had become his identity and reason for living. I agree with other reviewers who have said that this episode is not so much a quest for absolute power but rather the trait in human nature that once you get into a position of authority it is hard to relinquish.
top notch
mattkratz8 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This episode basically explores the positive and negative aspects of leadership, and was one of my favorite episodes. Captain Benteen was the leader of the colony and solely responsible for keeping them mostly alive and hopeful that rescue would come after the colony crashed on a distant planet-then rescue did come, and he couldn't relinquish his power! He then saw himself as the people's dictator.
I think this episode was top notch and perhaps the best of the hour- long shows. James Whitmore's performance as Benteen was the main highlight, and the final scene was unforgettable. I loved every minute of it.
*** 1/2 out of ****
I think this episode was top notch and perhaps the best of the hour- long shows. James Whitmore's performance as Benteen was the main highlight, and the final scene was unforgettable. I loved every minute of it.
*** 1/2 out of ****
Hauntingly good.
ricroz-4404010 September 2018
The theme of this episode and the excellent acting of James Whitmore made this one of the most memorable. I first watched this many years ago, and the ending haunted me and still does to this day. If you are a fan of TZ, a must see.
Captain Benteen's potty time.
BA_Harrison12 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As per Mute (Episode 5, Season 4), On Thursday We Leave For Home touches on the subjects of conformity, individuality and freedom of choice, but it is also a study of someone accustomed to absolute power, and how they might behave when that sense of purpose is stripped away, their authority passed on to another (as recent history has shown, some people find it tough to hand over the reins).
James Whitmore plays Captain William Benteen, leader of a space colony that has been struggling to survive for three decades on a desolate planet scorched by twin suns (similar to the planet in The Little People, Season 3, Episode 28). Benteen has finally decided to call it a day, a rescue ship on its way to take the colonists back to Earth; when the ship arrives and its commander, Colonel Sloane (Tim O'Connor), assumes control, Benteen finds it impossible to relinquish his role as leader. And when his people tell him that, once on Earth, they will go their separate ways, the 'captain' loses his mind and decides that he would rather stay behind.
A superbly written piece with a terrific central turn from Whitmore, On Thursday We Leave For Home is one of the stronger episodes from Season Four- a complex character study that proves utterly compelling: Benteen has dedicated his life to the protection of others, but when that jurisdiction is taken away from him, he loses all sense of what is best for his people and puts his own needs first. In short, his three decades as a leader have turned him into a control freak.
The episode also ends with a real downer: Benteen realises the error of his ways as the spaceship takes off, leaving him all alone on the planet. Great stuff!
James Whitmore plays Captain William Benteen, leader of a space colony that has been struggling to survive for three decades on a desolate planet scorched by twin suns (similar to the planet in The Little People, Season 3, Episode 28). Benteen has finally decided to call it a day, a rescue ship on its way to take the colonists back to Earth; when the ship arrives and its commander, Colonel Sloane (Tim O'Connor), assumes control, Benteen finds it impossible to relinquish his role as leader. And when his people tell him that, once on Earth, they will go their separate ways, the 'captain' loses his mind and decides that he would rather stay behind.
A superbly written piece with a terrific central turn from Whitmore, On Thursday We Leave For Home is one of the stronger episodes from Season Four- a complex character study that proves utterly compelling: Benteen has dedicated his life to the protection of others, but when that jurisdiction is taken away from him, he loses all sense of what is best for his people and puts his own needs first. In short, his three decades as a leader have turned him into a control freak.
The episode also ends with a real downer: Benteen realises the error of his ways as the spaceship takes off, leaving him all alone on the planet. Great stuff!
This episode rings true for all potential megalomaniacs
missbirdie0519 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
You know, during the entire episode, I could not help but sympathize with James Whitmore's character. Here he is, trying to keep 187 men, women, and children alive on the desert planet with hopes of returning to Earth. As the ship arrives, he is initially happy, but as the ship captain fills the colonists in on life on Earth, Benteen refuses to give up control. I honestly could not decide whether he has kept the people alive out of his own selfish need for power or for survival of the fittest. He seems to be a nice guy in spite of his flaws. I do not think his punishment in the end is that harsh at all because he has made his choice, whether the ship captain likes it or not. I think he deserves the consequences for his most foolish choice.
I can't believe I never saw this episode!
kgehebe6 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I've been watching Twilight Zone marathons twice a year for 30 years and somehow I missed this phenomenal episode...possibly because it's from season 4 where the shows were an hour long. In any event, this is a timeless masterpiece by Rod Serling...a message show for the ages! Nevermind that the special effects are cheesy and dated! Today's youth are being taught that if there isn't wall to wall CGI is isn't worth sitting through. Have I got a lesson for them!
A group of colonists leave Earth in search of a more utopian society without war, famine, disease, etc. They land on a desolate, barren planet that has a hostile, unforgiving climate and is nearly impossible to survive on, let alone thrive. James Whitmore plays their defacto leader who shows them how to survive and keeps their morale up by telling the group of 187 men, women and children of life on Earth and impending rescue. They live under these conditions for 30 years until one day when a spaceship arrives from Earth to, at long last, take them back home. Tim O'Connor is the strong, young, good looking astronaut that comes to their rescue. At first Benteen (and I've learned that Benteen was the name of one of Custer's men) is as happy and excited about their rescue as the rest, but it quickly begins to dawn on him that his days of being the leader are over and he's no longer needed. From this point on, Captain Benteen (Whitmore has made himself a captain in his time there) becomes obnoxious and controlling, desperate to cling to his position of power.
Whitmore and O'Connor play perfectly against each other with the latter the flawless personification of freedom and individuality...strong, welcoming, desirable, with an element of risk. (there are problems with their spaceship and may have difficulties getting back with such a large group) He allows Whitmore to continue his leadership role for the final few days for the sake of social harmony. Towards the end, Benteen declares that the group cannot go back and the O'Connor character tells them to take a vote. Naturally, the outcome is unanimous.
The show is either the perfect political metaphor for totalitarian government and the corrupting influence of power on the human psyche or could simply be a tale of a meddling in law or parent who refuses to let go. It doesn't matter what your interpretation is because its ambiguity is precisely the point. Power corrupts and the need for dominance and control ultimately destroys. A must see.
A group of colonists leave Earth in search of a more utopian society without war, famine, disease, etc. They land on a desolate, barren planet that has a hostile, unforgiving climate and is nearly impossible to survive on, let alone thrive. James Whitmore plays their defacto leader who shows them how to survive and keeps their morale up by telling the group of 187 men, women and children of life on Earth and impending rescue. They live under these conditions for 30 years until one day when a spaceship arrives from Earth to, at long last, take them back home. Tim O'Connor is the strong, young, good looking astronaut that comes to their rescue. At first Benteen (and I've learned that Benteen was the name of one of Custer's men) is as happy and excited about their rescue as the rest, but it quickly begins to dawn on him that his days of being the leader are over and he's no longer needed. From this point on, Captain Benteen (Whitmore has made himself a captain in his time there) becomes obnoxious and controlling, desperate to cling to his position of power.
Whitmore and O'Connor play perfectly against each other with the latter the flawless personification of freedom and individuality...strong, welcoming, desirable, with an element of risk. (there are problems with their spaceship and may have difficulties getting back with such a large group) He allows Whitmore to continue his leadership role for the final few days for the sake of social harmony. Towards the end, Benteen declares that the group cannot go back and the O'Connor character tells them to take a vote. Naturally, the outcome is unanimous.
The show is either the perfect political metaphor for totalitarian government and the corrupting influence of power on the human psyche or could simply be a tale of a meddling in law or parent who refuses to let go. It doesn't matter what your interpretation is because its ambiguity is precisely the point. Power corrupts and the need for dominance and control ultimately destroys. A must see.
Last man standing
nickenchuggets14 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
And this is the reason why I don't automatically dismiss any Twilight Zone episode longer than 23 minutes. While TZ's often maligned fourth season had some bumps in the road, this is one of my favorite episodes of the entire show. Many people don't seem to care for season 4, as it's the only season that had episodes longer than 23 minutes. This basically meant that if the episode wasn't that good, it would feel like it was dragging on forever, but whenever a worthwhile one came along, it only benefitted the experience. On Thursday We Leave for Home is great precisely because it isn't short, it's almost a whole hour. This gives the characters plenty of time to develop. The episode takes place in the far off year of 1991 (we all laugh) and a small colony of humans have made a home for themselves on a distant world because they were tired of constant conflict on earth. However, after many years of staying here, the people now want to go back to earth because the planet they're on is barren and depressing. The leader of the group is William Benteen (James Whitmore), who is the only person on the planet who is originally from earth. Everyone in the colony puts their trust in him and rallies behind him, as he's clearly the most experienced. After many months, the evacuation UFO from earth finally shows up and everyone is ecstatic. Colonel Sloane (Tim O'Connor) steps out of the spacecraft to meet the happy crowd and tells them they have 3 days to get their things packed in order to leave for humanity's true home. At first, things appear nice, but before long, Sloane and Benteen are at each other's throats. He starts to notice how his formerly powerful position among the settlers is slipping away, as everyone is now forgetting about Benteen's leadership in favor of fantasizing about their new lives on earth. As Benteen's authority fades, he tries to compromise with Sloane by saying how he will allow everyone to go to earth as long as they organize into a single clan, similar to how they're living now. The colonists themselves don't like Benteen's idea, and openly disregard it. Now convinced he's not their leader anymore, Benteen makes one last attempt to keep his power by telling everyone the earth is actually a horrible and violent place to live, and if the colonists are intelligent, they won't leave with Colonel Sloane. Even this doesn't stop the colonists, and they all agree to ship out for earth anyway. As everyone piles into the ship and prepares to leave, Sloane offers Benteen one last chance to go with them, but he says no. As the ship takes off, Benteen's vivid memories of his time on earth as a child come back to him, and he remembers how colorful and nice everything was. He rushes to where the ship is to get onboard, but it's too late. Benteen is stuck on the desert world, forever and alone. I remember seeing this episode for the first time and was amazed by its sad ending. Sad endings are not new in TZ episodes, but being left on an unknown planet for the rest of your life is something else entirely. James Whitmore as Benteen is the perfect example of a tragic figure. He's content with his position at first, because everyone has faith in his abilty to lead. Later on, another person (Colonel Sloane) shows up, and he also has the characteristics of a leader. Benteen doesn't like how happy Sloane appears when all the colonists ditch the former for the latter, and this is what sends Benteen over the edge. Like many people before him in history, he would rather ruin other people's chances at happiness if he can't have his. This is why he starts ranting about how horrible the earth will be upon moving there, because he doesn't want to be the leader of nothing. Because the episode has a space theme, the UFO sent to retrieve the humans is actually the same ship from the 1950s classic Forbidden Planet, and the uniforms the crew wear are as well. It can't be a coincidence that Tim O'Connor (who plays Colonel Sloane here) was also in the Outer Limits. Whatever the case may be, On Thursday We Leave for Home is one of the greatest TZ episodes, and shows how the series did not always fail when it came to the hour long installments. When they're good, they're extremely good.
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