Twilight Zone Companion author Marc Zicree discussed the classic Rod Serling series as well as the latest book in his modern-day fantasy trilogy, Magic Time- Ghostlands. The premise of this novel, he said, is that machines all stop working and magic replaces technology. It's similar to the Twilight Zone in that he uses a sci-fi/fantasy variant in order to comment on the real world, he explained.

Rod Serling's work as a both a writer and producer for the Twilight Zone was highly influential in television, Zicree noted, as he set the template for many creators that followed in his wake, who mirrored this kind of total involvement in shaping their series. Zicree also mentioned that The Twilight Zone is coming out on DVD and he is providing extras for the package, culled from his research into Serling's scripts and materials.

George announced that he is working with Marc Zicree on a new dramatic TV series for FOX based on Coast to Coast that is being called "After Dark." Also involved in the project are Steve Latham and David Simkins as well as TV executives Susanne Daniels and Sheila Ducksworth.

Mars Update

First half-hour guest Richard C. Hoagland of Enterprise Mission reacted to a new report that there could be danger from Martian microbes. While he didn't necessarily concur on the possible dangers, he viewed the story as good news, as it indicates the establishment is now acknowledging "something that's there" on Mars.