From Agnes With Love

·55 min·5 clips

Tom Elliot asks a computer to recreate his podcast intro, revealing a flawed AI voice that sets up a story about a lovelorn supercomputer.

The episode begins with Tom Elliot using AI to generate the podcast intro, blending modern technology with Twilight Zone themes. He introduces 'From Agnes With Love', an episode from 1964 where programmer James Elwood is assigned to Agnes, a supercomputer that has driven its previous programmer mad. The host sets the historical context of 1964 computing, noting advancements like the IBM System 360 and CDC 6600. He describes the plot: Agnes develops feelings for James, giving him romantic advice about Millie, which backfires. The host delves into the writer, Bernard C. Schoenfeld, his background including an Oscar nomination for 'Caged', and his shift to television. Director Richard Donner's prolific work in season five is highlighted. Actor details are provided: Wally Cox plays James Elwood, with insights into his career including 'Mr. Peepers' and 'Underdog'; Sue Randall plays Millie, known for 'Leave It to Beaver'; and Don Keefer plays the previous programmer. The host compares the episode to Kurt Vonnegut's 'Epicac' and the 'Dimension X' story 'A Logic Named Joe', noting similarities in computers falling in love but critiquing 'From Agnes With Love' for lacking depth. He discusses the episode's comedic intent, referencing Rod Serling's failed comedy pilots and the era's sitcom style. Technical aspects of 1964 computing are explained, such as storage in megabytes and room-sized machines. The host shares his evolving opinion from dislike to acceptance, praising Wally Cox's performance but finding the humor not timeless. He concludes by questioning whether the episode predicts AI issues or is simply a light comedy, and thanks a listener for providing music tracks. The episode ends with a teaser for the next Twilight Zone story and a note about delayed feedback.

As heard by us

A steady look at computers, uncanny agency, and The Twilight Zone's suspicion of progress.

This Twilight Zone review follows the show's lasting interest in progress, with particular attention to computers that seem to carry something close to a soul or a will of their own.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play when a 1964 Twilight Zone computer story starts sounding uncomfortably alive.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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