George Takei's Most Controversial 'Twilight Zone' Episode: A Look Back

George Takei's iconic performance in Season 5's 'The Encounter' remains a standout moment in the beloved sci-fi series. Originally banned from syndication due to its depiction of Asian-American history, the episode has since been rediscovered and celebrated for its powerful storytelling and cultural relevance.

First aired in 1964, 'The Encounter' tells the story of a Japanese-American gardener and a white American veteran whose yard he's hired to work on. Takei played Arthur Takamori, while Neville Brand played Fenton, who is revealed to have taken a samurai sword from a Japanese soldier during World War II.

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The Making of 'The Encounter'

The episode proved divisive due to its portrayal of the Pearl Harbor attack and its depiction of Asian-American history. Takei has since spoken out about the controversy, stating that 'The Twilight Zone' was not fact-based and that audiences took it literally. The episode's removal from syndication and reruns sparked outrage among Asian-American civil liberties groups.

Despite its initial backlash, 'The Encounter' has become a classic episode of 'The Twilight Zone'. Takei's performance as Arthur Takamori is captivating, and the episode occupies a special place in his heart due to director Robert Butler's trust in him for the role. The episode's exploration of cultural identity and historical accuracy continues to resonate with audiences today.

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'The Encounter' serves as a testament to 'The Twilight Zone's enduring legacy as a platform for exploring complex social issues. George Takei's performance is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in media and the impact it can have on our collective understanding of history.

Historical Controversy

"I was very grateful to him for having brought me into this wonderful role," Takei said during his Television Academy interview.

"At that time, one had to audition, and I didn't have to audition for that, so that made it a special thing."

"Star Trek" legend George Takei is one of the best-known Asian-American actors in Hollywood history, and he gave what is arguably one of his best performances in the only episode of "The Twilight Zone" that ended up being banned from syndication: Season 5's "The Encounter." Originally airing in 1964, this episode follows a Japanese-American gardener and a white American World War II vet whose yard he's hired to work on. Takei played the former, Arthur Takamori, while Neville Brand played the veteran Fenton, who is revealed to have taken a samurai sword from a Japanese soldier during the war.