It was much more then it appeared to be.

( below is a link to a great NPR interview with Marc Zicree, author )

Weekend Edition Saturday, October 2, 1999 · Scott speaks with Marc Zicree, author of The Twilight Zone Companion, about the sensibility and significance of the landmark television series, which made its debut 40 years ago this weekend. The program, which ran from 1959-64, was created and hosted by Rod Serling, and has been in syndication ever since.