“I of Newton” is the second part of episode 12 of The Twilight Zone’s first season, released in 1985. The main motive of the video is a deal with the Devil; however, in addition to this, the plot is filled with various references and symbols. At the same time, the omnipotence paradox is embedded in the script, forcing an omnipotent being to do something to its detriment. Therefore, an analysis of the scenario is necessary to reveal new meanings and interpretation options for the proposed video.
The video begins with an image of the chaos that surrounds Sam as he tries to solve an equation. This chaos can symbolize the internal state of the character, who is also in some disorder and does not see how to solve the current situation. The equation the main character is trying to solve can probably be considered a symbol of a person’s whole life. When everything is going downhill, and the entire life turns into chaos, everyone wonders how good it would be to get help from outside. For a second, Sam decides that selling his soul “to get this thing right” is a great decision.
However, at the very end, we see that he throws the sunglasses left over from the Devil into the urn. It can be assumed that the Devil is the personification of the wrong choices that a person makes, like addictions or crimes. Even though he is still surrounded by the disorder and chaos of his creation, Sam decides that some things need to be disposed of immediately. The character says, “that guy was any help at all.” That is why at the end of the clip, Sam breathes the sigh of relief, deciding to solve his problems on his own, and returns to his equation.
Another interesting plot point is the Devil’s use of the number 3 when he allows Sam to ask three questions. The number 3 has a lot of symbolism in everyday life and Christian culture. In the Bible, there are many moments that confirm this number’s great significance and sacredness. The number 3 symbolizes the human soul, which is symbolic in Sam’s meeting with the Devil. In many cultures, it is also a symbol of luck; for example, characters are always allowed to use precisely three wishes. So the video’s plot might hint at a happy ending for Sam. However, at the same time, the Devil gives Sam a fourth question or task to ask, which shows us that saving the character is a task for himself.
The image of the Devil in the video may seem comical. This comedy can be seen in everything from his sarcastic speaking style to the changing slogans on his T-shirt. With each appearance of the Devil in the frame, you can see a new inscription on his T-shirt, glorifying hell. For example, “Hell is a Summer Festival,” “Hell is a City Much Like Newark,” and “Gehenna: More Than a Place, a Way of Life.” It all looks like a publicity stunt for hell, but you can also see the writers’ comical intent.
Thus, the script of this video is very multifaceted and gives the viewer space to interpret and search for their meanings. Along with the central theme of selling one’s soul to the Devil, there are many details in the video that are also loaded with meaning. Through otherworldly metaphors, the set writers and the director managed to portray the everyday life of a person struggling with his problems.