The Twilight Zone has an alien invasion identity crisis in “A Human Face”

An alien life form takes the form of a couple’s dead daughter in “A Human Face,” another solid entry of the new Twilight Zone.

“A Human Face” begins in the far reaches of space before taking us back down to Earth on the day a cosmic flare is set to pass by our beautiful blue planet.

Somewhere in a very family-friendly neighborhood, Robert and Barbara are preparing to move out of their house and hopefully be able to start over after the tragic loss of their daughter. While they’re in their child’s bedroom, a strange light blasts through the house, and the power goes out.

The confused couple hears a noise in the basement, and they find a strange, somewhat transparent, otherworldly creature chewing on a table. When it sees Robert and Barbara, it screams at them, accompanied by another flash of light, and they run away.

“A Human Face” — Pictured: Jenna Elfman as Barbara of the CBS All Access series THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Photo Cr: Robert Falconer/CBS 2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Barbara somehow recognizes the being as female, and believes it to be her dead daughter even though it’s clearly not, at least according to Robert. Upon second glance, the being begins to transform, and after a bit of a struggle it takes the form of their daughter Maggie. It jumps at Robert, and when they run upstairs, it cuts them off by going through the floor.

Robert believes it to be a predator that changes shape to bait its prey. Barbara still clings to the desperate hope that it really is their daughter. Like a computer, it struggles to buffer out all the things Maggie would say — stuff about getting pizza and hanging out with friends — which torments the parents, who are trapped in a bathroom.

“A Human Face” — Pictured: Tavi Gevinson as Mags of the CBS All Access series THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Photo Cr: Robert Falconer/CBS 2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Barbara eventually falls for the creature’s siren song. Maggie disappears, and Robert searches in the basement while the creature learns more about its new identity. Robert tries to get Barbara to leave, but she is desperate to get her daughter back, no matter what.

Things take a turn when the new Maggie reveals how the old Maggie really felt about her parents. Neither of them ever really saw her, or that her death was by her own hand.

After this rude awakening, the creature reveals that it is a Biological Pacification Drone sent as part of an invasion force set on total conquest. But because of Maggie’s desire to seek the truth, it decides to do the same and turns off its directive to conquer. Robert isn’t convinced, but Barbara doesn’t care either way. She just wants Maggie in her life.

The new Maggie convinces Robert by assuring him that Maggie loved him when she was alive and knew he loved her. Together they walk outside, holding hands, and as they walk along their street, more and more families emerge in the same manner.

“A Human Face” — Pictured (l-r): Christopher Meloni as Robert and Jenna Elfman as Barbara of the CBS All Access series THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Photo Cr: Robert Falconer/CBS 2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Chris Meloni and Jenna Elfman prove they are still TV powerhouses with very exceptional performances. Tavi Genisson’s elusive and offputting take on a shapeshifting weapon of interdimensional warfare was very good as well.

Everything about the creature is outstanding. The transformation scene was extremely impressive, and most of the effects were a step up for the series. This was a genuinely excellent creation.

The Twilight Zone does a stellar job of changing up a familiar storyline just enough so viewers recognize the things they like while reinventing crucial aspects of the tale. The end results are suspenseful, thought-provoking episodes like “A Human Face,” another solid entry.

Episode Grade: B+

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels