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This is an outstanding book on every level, and surely one of the finest works published on a television series (Serling attracts the best: Zicree's "Twilight Zone Companion" is probably the finest such book ever). It's well-written and extraordinarily comprehensive, though it's surprising that none of those notoriously creepy "Night Gallery" paintings by Tom Wright are reproduced in the text.

The reader might have cause to wonder whether the authors' effort was really worth it, however, for despite their large claims, the fact remains that "Night Gallery" was, to put it politely, a very uneven TV series. Their work in demonstrating how the series was hacked to bits in syndication is fascinating, but the uncut episodes (available on video from Columbia House, thanks in part to the authors), while much better, simply fail to make the case for the show. "Night Gallery" just was not a very good TV program, a fact of which audiences and Rod Serling himself were well aware.

Skelton and Benson also go to great lengths to rehabiliate the reputation of Jack Laird, the series' producer, who until now has widely been seen as a mere studio hack who ruined Serling's pristine vision. Their argument is interesting, but ultimately does not hold water. Laird was responsible not only for virtually kicking Serling---possibly the finest writer in the history of the medium---off his own TV series, but also for those awful short comedy "black-out" sketches that absolutely no one defends---including Skelton and Benson. It is tough to make a case for Jack Laird, given these obvious facts.

However, the book in general is wonderfully well-done. The research and writing are superb, and the behind-the-scenes struggles between Serling, Laird, and the network make for absolutely compulsive reading. Certainly a required text for fans of fantasy television in general and Rod Serling in particular. Splendid!

Creator Rod Serling will forever be remembered for his earlier classic: a little something called "The Twilight Zone." While "Night Gallery" never quite made the ratings and dramatic success as its predecessor, the show did have its moments, all lovingly chronicled here by the authors. The book details the production, the episodes, and the various actors featured on the show. It also reveals the infighting between Serling, producer Jack Laird, and the wishes of the "suits" at NBC. Sadly, the strain of his association with the series may have contributed to Serling's untimely death.

For those fans of the show, this is an insightful and well-prepared document.

Wow! I recieved this book last Christmas and this was probably my favorite gift I recieved. There is soooooooo much information and is a true delight to read. I might not be your average Night Gallery fan considering I was born several years after the show went off, but in a short time due to cable reruns and ordering the Columbia House videos I have fell in love with the show. It is now tied with The Twilght Zone as my favorite show. Thank you authors for all the hard work. I can't believe this show is so underrated. It had so much going for it. Excellent writing, acting, art direction, class, ect... Night Gallery's finest stood neck and neck with the best episodes of Zone. Deliveries in the Rear, The Caterpillar, A Question of Fear, Return of the Sorcerer, The Doll, They're Tearing Down Tim Riley's Bar, and A Feast of Blood are just as excellent as It's a Good Life, The Masks, The Silence, The Howling Man, The Living Doll, A Game of Pool, and To Serve Man. Only two things do I disagree with the authors' views of the show are 1) I think the 3rd season was a little better than the reviews they gave it and 2) "The black out" skits were overall enjoyable and gave the show a distinctive feel that seperated it from Zone's vibe. I know it's a matter of opinion, but I feel many third season segments are short changed by a half star sometimes even a full star than what they are given. Segmenst like The Other Way Out, Something in the Woodwork, Rare Objects and such I like more than some of the ***.5 and **** segments from the pilot and second season. The "black outs" were sometimes stupid and goofy, but at least they were short and sometimes put a smile on your face. While, some of the longer bad segments like The Diffrent Ones, The Diary, and Tell David are just too long for the quality of material in it. I just wish that they would have made some "black outs" that were less comedy driven and more horror in nature. Overall,I love this book. Listen. If you know anyone who loves Rod Serling or Night Gallery than this will make an excellent gift for the Holidays or a birthday. The book is beautiful in its depth. Plus, unlike Marc Scott Zicree's The Twilight Zone Companion you can tell these guys actually love the show. Also, check out the authors' website and help us get Rod Serling's Night Gallery on DVD!!!!

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