Tales from the Darkside/Distant Signals

Distant Signals
Season 2, Episode 8
Airdate	November 17, 1985
Teleplay by	Ted Gershuny
Based upon	a story by Andrew Weiner
Directed by	Bill Travis
Produced by	Mitchell Galin
← 2x07 The Devil's Advocate	2x09 → The Trouble with Mary Jane
Tales from the Darkside — Season Two

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Distant Signals is the eighth episode of the second season of Tales from the Darkside, and the thirty-second episode overall.

Starring: Darren McGavin (Van Conway), Lenny Von Dohlen (Mr. Smith), David Margulies (Gil Hurn), Joe Bova (Lew Feldman)

Co-Starring: Sheila King (Amy), John Bennes (Loomis), Dog Thomas (Grip), Paul Sparer (Narrator) (voice)

Plot Overview

A mysterious investor hopes to finance the production of the final six episodes of a short-lived and long-forgotten TV series that was cancelled 20 years ago.

Quotes

• Mr Smith: I believe I have a market for the series.

Gil Hurn: The work doesn't deserve it.

Mr Smith: You're too critical. In many ways it was the height of televisual art. You turned it into poetry.

• Mr Smith: The camera will be good to you.

Van Conway: Like the old days?

Mr Smith: Oh yes. We'll shoot it in black and white like before. It will help bring out your haunted look.

Van Conway: I've always looked that way.

Mr Smith: That's why you had to play Max Paradise - then and now.

• Van Conway: Who are you anyway, Smith?

Mr Smith: I am your greatest fan and I will not let you fail me.

• Mr Smith: It's... perfect

Gil Hurn: Well, it works.

Mr Smith: More than works, Mr Hurn. Much more. It's mythic. The wanderer remembers his past, brother slays brother. Very symmetrical. Very pleasing.

• Gil Hurn: He said it was the "height of televisual art." They’re out there. Watching. Wonder what they’re like?

Van Conway: Well, he was here. You saw him, you touched him, you talked to him. He's just like us. A nice guy. A real nice guy.