I haven't seen Her Pilgrim Soul in years, I don't know how it will hold up. However, I do remember it was a wonderful story, very romantic, and surprisingly enough, it was directed by Wes Craven! Interesting choice for his oeuvre. I don't go much for romantic stories. Maybe it's the science fiction element that got to me. Anyway, it's this one and the "A Message for Charity" episode that I fondly remember. Maybe it had to do with hormones (it's my teenage years). Overall, the series doesn't seem to surpass the original Rod Serling black and white episodes. Series consultant here is Harlan Ellison and I wonder if that's the reason (I mean, I originally watched these episodes BECAUSE I saw his name. I hope the drop in quality isn't because of him).
12 Reviews
Very Touching Renewal of the Soul/He's Moving on Down
Hitchcoc21 April 2017
"Her Pilgrim Soul" is a touching little half hour. Two men, experimenting with Holograms, one of them Gary Cole, most recently on "The Good Wife, find a nine month old fetus, floating in the air of their holographic column. What happens is that every couple hours the fetus ages, become a toddler, then a teenager, then a young woman, and so on. It would seem that when this woman died, her soul was caught up in the ethos and brought down into their experiment. The man, who is having emotional troubles and problems with his marriage, becomes captivated by this figure. Soon there are thoughts of love. But there is a greater message and a connection to the past. And there is William Butler Yeats, the source of the title. The second feature involves Sherman Hemsley from "The Jeffersons," playing a mathematician, saying, "I'd sell my soul to solve this problem!" Of course, this brings Ron Glass's devil into the equation and Hemsley must parry and thrust in a sword fight for his eternal being. This one is strictly for humor. Glass proves to be quite incompetent. They should have called Weezy.
Pilgrim Soul, hits the right note
schmenga11 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The connection between Her Pilgrim Soul and the original TZ The Trouble with Templeton are striking
Well done and just as moving. When it is exposed that Templeton's lost wife and friends were playing acting roles to help him let go it was extraordinarily moving, especially for a short television show. Here, when it was exposed that Kevin was a reincarnated Robert, and Nola was helping him let go of Robert's holding onto his past tragedy it was just as much.
Great.
Well done and just as moving. When it is exposed that Templeton's lost wife and friends were playing acting roles to help him let go it was extraordinarily moving, especially for a short television show. Here, when it was exposed that Kevin was a reincarnated Robert, and Nola was helping him let go of Robert's holding onto his past tragedy it was just as much.
Great.
See It Once and Replay It Forever
rsternesq8 June 2008
I had seen Her Pilgrim Soul only once and, indeed, I didn't even know it was available on DVD until recently when I stumbled onto it in a sale bin. I loved it the first time and have been more than a little haunted by it ever since. I worried that my memory might be a bit too kind but that is not the case. I am very pleased to report that, even though film technology has moved ahead and some of the effects might be more impressively done now, this episode stands up very, very well indeed. Yeats has held up pretty well too so even that line resonates beautifully. No spoilers from me but let's just say that love doesn't really die. Buy it or rent it but go and get it! It really is wonderful and well deserves the numerous 10s it received.
A deeply spiritual metaphor
bobbo92411 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Who would have thought that Wes Craven would have created a metaphor that spoke so deeply of love, loss, spirit and WB Yeats? "Her Pilgrim Soul" moves deeply into the human heart and beyond the travails of death itself, to present a ghost story with a romantic twist, a sci-fi foundation, and a wellspring of mysticism. Anne Twomey is perfection as Nola. You must fall in love with her for this tale to unfold, and you do. As Kevin, Kristoffer Tabori gives a rich performance in which every emotion ripples through him. And in a smaller role, Katherine Wallach provides the equally lovable, and vitally important character of Susan, Kevin's wife. Their marriage is troubled, and the reasons gradually emerge, as we learn who Nola really is, and especially who she is to Kevin.
When I realized it was impossible to purchase this treasure, I taped it off the air during a cable revival of the show. When DVD burners became available, this was the first thing I archived, before even precious family videos. "Her Pilgrim Soul," from the touching Yeats poem of the same title, is a tale of infinite depth; no matter how far you want to follow it down, it will be there waiting for you. It's one of the two or three finest hours I've ever spent in front of a TV, and having seen and shared it many times, I continue to find deep truth and profound emotion in it. Oddly, it may be Craven's finest work, and it's supported by a cast of character actors who deserve far more adulation than they receive. If you can find it, watch it.
When I realized it was impossible to purchase this treasure, I taped it off the air during a cable revival of the show. When DVD burners became available, this was the first thing I archived, before even precious family videos. "Her Pilgrim Soul," from the touching Yeats poem of the same title, is a tale of infinite depth; no matter how far you want to follow it down, it will be there waiting for you. It's one of the two or three finest hours I've ever spent in front of a TV, and having seen and shared it many times, I continue to find deep truth and profound emotion in it. Oddly, it may be Craven's finest work, and it's supported by a cast of character actors who deserve far more adulation than they receive. If you can find it, watch it.
The Twilight Zone - I of Newton
Scarecrow-8822 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"I of Newton" is an amusing and clever duel of ego vs. intellect. Sherman Hemsley, a mathematician in search of the answer to a major problem on his blackboard, against a very conceited and cocky Ron Glass, his Satan with many witty red T-shirts that describe his "service" and pair of shades. Hemsley makes a comment about "selling his soul to solve the equation" in jest and the Prince of Darkness himself arrives to challenge such a statement. Glass goes on and on about how there's no match for him and Hell isn't such a bad place to be, offering to let Hemsley "free from Satan's grip" if he can issue three questions or a task that will outsmart him. Hemsley against the Devil is a really funny joke and both actors are game. It isn't that long and will perhaps bring a smile to your face. It doesn't outstay its welcome. However, this felt so much like it belonged on Tales from the Darkside which loved quirky material and oddball situations like "I of Newton" presents. Hemsley cautiously looks for his opening, and capitalizes on Glass' overt confidence. Just the Devil in a classroom is enough of an idea to earn a grin.
Very worth seeing, if you get the chance
lucens26 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
"Her Pilgrim Soul" is one of the most beautiful romance stories I have ever seen, and the acting in is perfection. I cry every time I watch it.
"I of Newton" makes me laugh every time. I especially like the Devil's ever-changing T-shirt. And, as my husband with a BS in mathematics and physics remarks, "Never mess with a mathematician."
These sketches were an example of the best of the new Twilight Zone series. Stories like these were why I hoped it would continue. Stories not like these are what I believe killed the series; very uneven quantity.
However, if you get a chance to see these two episodes, take it. You'll be well-rewarded.
"I of Newton" makes me laugh every time. I especially like the Devil's ever-changing T-shirt. And, as my husband with a BS in mathematics and physics remarks, "Never mess with a mathematician."
These sketches were an example of the best of the new Twilight Zone series. Stories like these were why I hoped it would continue. Stories not like these are what I believe killed the series; very uneven quantity.
However, if you get a chance to see these two episodes, take it. You'll be well-rewarded.
The Pilgrim and the Devil
kapelusznik184 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** Two for the price one "Twilight Zone " episode has computer expert Kevin Drayton, Keistoffer Tabori, conjure up this hologram out of his super computer that starts off as a human fetus and grows into a full grown women in just four-at growing to ten years every 24 hours- day! The woman turns out to be Nola Grandville, Anne Twomey, a "Pilgrim Soul" looking for what seems like her place in the universe that Kevin has some connection to! After a whole bunch of reflections about her life back in the early 1900's we as well as Kevin finally get the drift or picture to what Nola is really all about!
It seems that Nola died back in 1943 at age 34 while giving birth and her poor husband Robert died of a heart or broken heart attack a short time later! What that has to do with a at first totally confused Kevin is explained in him in fact being***MAJOR SPOILER*** the reincarnation of her husband Robert whom she's, by coming back from the dead, giving a second chance to spend some time together with her as well as save his marriage with his now wife Susan, Katherine Wallach, who he's been neglecting and is about to dump him. It was Nola's mission to get this guilt feeling off Kevin's mind in his -or Robert from his previous life -feeling so sorry for himself over her tragic death! That he, now in another life, was hurting himself as his wife Susan as well as all those, at work and in public, around him who have to but up with his childless and cry baby antics. Now that he got the massage, from Nola, in putting his past or previous life behind he can get back to business as well as to Susan and look to a bright future not back to a dark past!
"I of Newton" has to do with a physic professor Dr. Sam , Sherman Hemsley, who's having so much trouble trying to solve a quantum like calculation that in frustration he's cries out that he's willing, in an unguarded moment, to sell his soul to the Devil to get the answer. The Devil, Ron Glass, himself suddenly pops up, with a T-shirt change every 30 seconds, and to show Dr. Sam just how smart he is as he offers him four questions to ask him. That in if the Devil can't answers just one them correctly he'll not only spear Dr.Sam's soul from being taken away from him but also that of everyone else's crazy enough to offer up their souls to him as well. ****SPOILERS**** Dr. Sam after losing the first three rounds or questions finally in disgust and frustration,with the Devil needing him to death, tells the Devil to do something that he's forced to do, in him boasting that he can do anything that Dr. Sam's asks him to, to keep his part of the bargain! That in effect finally shuts him up for good and forever!
It seems that Nola died back in 1943 at age 34 while giving birth and her poor husband Robert died of a heart or broken heart attack a short time later! What that has to do with a at first totally confused Kevin is explained in him in fact being***MAJOR SPOILER*** the reincarnation of her husband Robert whom she's, by coming back from the dead, giving a second chance to spend some time together with her as well as save his marriage with his now wife Susan, Katherine Wallach, who he's been neglecting and is about to dump him. It was Nola's mission to get this guilt feeling off Kevin's mind in his -or Robert from his previous life -feeling so sorry for himself over her tragic death! That he, now in another life, was hurting himself as his wife Susan as well as all those, at work and in public, around him who have to but up with his childless and cry baby antics. Now that he got the massage, from Nola, in putting his past or previous life behind he can get back to business as well as to Susan and look to a bright future not back to a dark past!
"I of Newton" has to do with a physic professor Dr. Sam , Sherman Hemsley, who's having so much trouble trying to solve a quantum like calculation that in frustration he's cries out that he's willing, in an unguarded moment, to sell his soul to the Devil to get the answer. The Devil, Ron Glass, himself suddenly pops up, with a T-shirt change every 30 seconds, and to show Dr. Sam just how smart he is as he offers him four questions to ask him. That in if the Devil can't answers just one them correctly he'll not only spear Dr.Sam's soul from being taken away from him but also that of everyone else's crazy enough to offer up their souls to him as well. ****SPOILERS**** Dr. Sam after losing the first three rounds or questions finally in disgust and frustration,with the Devil needing him to death, tells the Devil to do something that he's forced to do, in him boasting that he can do anything that Dr. Sam's asks him to, to keep his part of the bargain! That in effect finally shuts him up for good and forever!
Wonderful episode.
babygrey-198777 April 2019
A glimpse of a past beauty/ And play with the devil, just don't fall prey to temptation.
blanbrn13 December 2007
Episode 12 of "The New Twilight Zone" featured two pretty good segments one of romance and the other of temptation. Overall a pretty good episode from the season.
First was "Her Pilgrim Soul" a long and drawn out segment about two scientist who create a girl who has a past unlike anyone else. And yet an aging romance slowly but surely blossoms with one of the scientist. Really a strange take on love and romance a segment that's to sci-fi it really it doesn't teach any life lessons.
Second and shorter was a better segment that shows how to stand up to temptation. "I of Newton" features veteran actor Sherman Hemsley(of "The Jeffersons" and "Amen" fame) as a puzzled and confused mathematics professor who can't solve the latest equation. He's even willing to sell his soul for it! Appear the devil the very hip and smooth talking Ron Glass. No matter how much riddle and the trying of selling temptation the magic words of just telling the devil to get lost works best! Neat concept and comical episode that shows us how to confront temptation head on.
First was "Her Pilgrim Soul" a long and drawn out segment about two scientist who create a girl who has a past unlike anyone else. And yet an aging romance slowly but surely blossoms with one of the scientist. Really a strange take on love and romance a segment that's to sci-fi it really it doesn't teach any life lessons.
Second and shorter was a better segment that shows how to stand up to temptation. "I of Newton" features veteran actor Sherman Hemsley(of "The Jeffersons" and "Amen" fame) as a puzzled and confused mathematics professor who can't solve the latest equation. He's even willing to sell his soul for it! Appear the devil the very hip and smooth talking Ron Glass. No matter how much riddle and the trying of selling temptation the magic words of just telling the devil to get lost works best! Neat concept and comical episode that shows us how to confront temptation head on.
Good premise, but where does it go?
Leofwine_draca10 April 2015
HER PILGRIM SOUL is a rare beast for THE NEW TWILIGHT ZONE: a romance-flavoured story, despite the sci-fi trappings of the premise. It's a decent premise, actually, involving a couple of scientists who are surprised when the ghost of a young woman appears inside their computer.
The woman's spirit seems to age at an incredible rate, but the scientists are confused by her presence. Sadly the story never seems to go anywhere after that promising opening, although at least there's a definite atmosphere here; I was surprised to see that director Wes Craven handled the material in such a restrained manner. Watch out for a youthful Gary Cole, playing one of the scientists.
I OF NEWTON is a much more straightforward, battle-of-wits with the devil type story. A frustrated mathematician calls on the power of evil to help him out with a problem, and then he has to do a deal with the devil. Except the devil wants much more than he's willing to offer. This short segment is focused around wordplay and is quite funny; it's light, forgettable material.
The woman's spirit seems to age at an incredible rate, but the scientists are confused by her presence. Sadly the story never seems to go anywhere after that promising opening, although at least there's a definite atmosphere here; I was surprised to see that director Wes Craven handled the material in such a restrained manner. Watch out for a youthful Gary Cole, playing one of the scientists.
I OF NEWTON is a much more straightforward, battle-of-wits with the devil type story. A frustrated mathematician calls on the power of evil to help him out with a problem, and then he has to do a deal with the devil. Except the devil wants much more than he's willing to offer. This short segment is focused around wordplay and is quite funny; it's light, forgettable material.
Sentimental garbage
thompsonm-050317 February 2019
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