episode #08, segment 2: The Burning Man

#8b: THE BURNING MAN - written by J.D. Feigelson
based on a story by Ray Bradbury; Directed by J.D. Feigelson

During a heat wave (during the 1950's, it seems like), a woman (Piper Laurie) and her nephew are driving through the countryside to a lake. They pick up an old man (Roberts Blossom) who starts to blabber on about theories of genetic evil. This is a case of lengthy foreshadowing - though not much of what the old guy says makes sense, it's disturbing, especially to the kid. The lady throws the old guy out and they go on to the lake.

On the way back, they come across a small boy, dressed in the same clothes as the old man. The ending is ominous but ambiguous. Since nothing is spelled out at the conclusion, each viewer will make up his own theories on what happens and what it means. This episode has the tone of a modern fable, on the sinister side. BoG's Score: 6.66 out of 10