Also, Bolie's words about the reality of the concrete world reflect some of the best (perhaps the most character-defining) words from another cinematic boxer, Rocky Balboa:
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.
You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!
Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!
I'm always gonna love you, no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, you ain't gonna have a life."
Maybe it's something about boxing stories! Sterling got there first - not only with "Big Tall Wish" but with "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (which I still need to watch, to my shame!)
I've never seen this episode, but your analysis is absolutely eloquent. This story and message are vividly, heartbreakingly relevant for our current time. Beautifully done, my friend. Thank you!
Thanks, Kevin! I encourage you to watch it - it is a quality episode, one of the best of the first season for sure, but not one I think people think of much when they think about Twilight Zone
Also, Bolie's words about the reality of the concrete world reflect some of the best (perhaps the most character-defining) words from another cinematic boxer, Rocky Balboa:
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.
You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!
Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!
I'm always gonna love you, no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, you ain't gonna have a life."
Maybe it's something about boxing stories! Sterling got there first - not only with "Big Tall Wish" but with "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (which I still need to watch, to my shame!)
I've never seen this episode, but your analysis is absolutely eloquent. This story and message are vividly, heartbreakingly relevant for our current time. Beautifully done, my friend. Thank you!
Thanks, Kevin! I encourage you to watch it - it is a quality episode, one of the best of the first season for sure, but not one I think people think of much when they think about Twilight Zone