Tunnel worker Bendix tries to keep estranged son Hopper from taking up same dangerous job.
Several notable features are present in this generally entertaining episode. Catch how well underground conditions are replicated for TV—the set for the tunnel head is especially realistic. Few of the usual cost-cutters for 50's TV are in evidence here. Note too the central tension is between father and son over the son's career choice. This is the upwardly mobile 1950's when white-collar jobs are expanding beyond the blue-collar 30's and 40's, so it's indicative in that respect. Also, the youth subculture is emerging as evidenced by the young Dennis Hopper. The ending is a matter of taste, but that too reflects rather rigid conventions of the day, no matter how unrealistic. This entry is the last in a series that really did deserve more than one season. Too bad.
Several notable features are present in this generally entertaining episode. Catch how well underground conditions are replicated for TV—the set for the tunnel head is especially realistic. Few of the usual cost-cutters for 50's TV are in evidence here. Note too the central tension is between father and son over the son's career choice. This is the upwardly mobile 1950's when white-collar jobs are expanding beyond the blue-collar 30's and 40's, so it's indicative in that respect. Also, the youth subculture is emerging as evidenced by the young Dennis Hopper. The ending is a matter of taste, but that too reflects rather rigid conventions of the day, no matter how unrealistic. This entry is the last in a series that really did deserve more than one season. Too bad.