I enjoyed The Twilight Zone as a child.

When I was young, it was aired in reruns in or near Prime Time. I think it was Friday evenings at 7pm on KTLA that I used to watch it back in the early 1970s.

Afterwards, I had to wait, with much anticipation, for the annual Twilight Zone Marathon, also on KTLA I believe, which happened once a year on Thanksgiving (and sometime for the whole weekend!)

But I never recall seeing what is now, by far, my favorite episode of the show. And, I highly recommend you watch it too.

The name of the episode is "I Dream of Genie" and there is a lot of trivia associated with it.

First, the actor who plays the main role, also did voice characters for cartoons, including Hanna Barbara. If you recall the famous "oop eep oop opp opp" jingle from "The Jestsons," that actor, whose name escapes me, was the guy who stars in this episode!

And I discovered a bit of trivia I don't think anyone else has: The character's dog, Atila (the real one) is also the dog used in the movie "The Shaggy Dog" in the opening scenes where the father/mailman who is allergic to and hates dogs, chases the dog off.


And on a personal note, I enjoy the "wealth wish fantasy" in which Atila is an Irish Wolfhound. If I could have gotten one, I would have. But they are a tad impractical for a man who can barely afford to take care of himself... Malamutes are hard enough! (double-entendre not withstanding.)


What sets this episode apart for me is that it is quite personal. Here is a character who is generous in a world of selfish people. He tries to be altruistic, but the system and society will not permit him. He wants for himself, but only to benefit others: to be the supporting husband of a famous actress, or a wealthy philanthropist who cannot give away his money because of how the economy works, to a President who cannot wield his power for good.