Button Button - The New Twilight Zone 1985 TV Series

Summary

A couple receives a mysterious box with a button that, if pressed, will result in the death of someone they do not know, in exchange for $200,000. Despite moral hesitation, Norma, the wife, eventually pushes the button. The next day, a man named Mr. Stewart retrieves the box and confirms that someone has indeed died. He then explains that the box will be offered to someone else under the same conditions, but they will not know the recipient. The chilling concept explores the consequences of choices driven by greed and moral ambiguity.

Takeaways

• 🤔 A mysterious package is delivered to a couple with no return address.
• 😯 Inside the package, there's a button unit and a note indicating a man named Mr. Stewart will visit at 8 PM.
• 😲 Mr. Stewart explains that if they press the button, someone they do not know will die, and they will receive $200,000 tax-free.
• 😡 Norma is conflicted about pressing the button, while Arthur is disgusted by the idea and insists on throwing it away.
• 🤨 Norma becomes increasingly intrigued by the moral dilemma presented by the button.
• 😕 Arthur expresses disbelief, questioning the legitimacy of the offer and the morality of the choice.
• 😬 Despite Arthur’s objections, Norma eventually presses the button out of curiosity.
• 😔 Mr. Stewart returns the next morning, confirming someone has died and delivering the $200,000 as promised.
• 😱 Mr. Stewart reveals that the button will be reprogrammed and given to someone else, implying a recurring cycle.
• 😨 The final chilling note: the next person to receive the button will also not know who pressed it last, creating an ominous cycle.

Q & A

What is the premise of the interaction between Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Stewart?

Mr. Stewart presents Mrs. Lewis with a box containing a button. He explains that if she presses the button, someone she does not know will die, and she will receive $200,000 tax-free.

What concerns does Norma express about the button unit?

Norma is intrigued but troubled by the moral dilemma of pushing the button. She worries about the implications of causing someone’s death, even if it’s a stranger, and whether this is a trick or survey.

How does Arthur, Norma's husband, react to the idea of pushing the button?

Arthur is skeptical and disturbed by the idea. He believes it is a trick and thinks it’s disgusting to even consider causing someone's death for money.

What rationalizations do Arthur and Norma explore regarding who might die if the button is pressed?

They contemplate the idea that the person who dies could be an old, sick, or distant individual, such as a Chinese peasant or someone with cancer. This discussion reflects their struggle to justify the moral consequences.

What action does Norma ultimately take regarding the button?

Despite Arthur’s objections, Norma eventually decides to push the button, believing that nothing significant will happen.

What does Mr. Stewart reveal when he returns to collect the button unit?

Mr. Stewart confirms that Norma did push the button and that someone indeed died. He leaves the $200,000 as promised and informs them that the button unit will now be offered to someone else whom they don’t know.

What is the significance of Mr. Stewart's final statement to the Lewises?

Mr. Stewart's final statement, that the button will be offered to someone else whom they don’t know, implies that the next person who dies might be them, highlighting the sinister and cyclical nature of the button's moral dilemma.

What does the button unit symbolize in this story?

The button unit symbolizes moral choice and temptation. It forces the characters to confront the value of a human life versus personal gain, and the ease with which people can justify harmful actions when the consequences seem distant.

How does the script explore the theme of human nature and ethics?

The script delves into the darker side of human nature, questioning how far people are willing to go for money and whether they can rationalize causing harm to others if they feel removed from the consequences. It raises ethical questions about responsibility and the price of moral compromise.

What is the emotional tone throughout the interaction between Norma and Arthur?

The emotional tone shifts between curiosity, tension, and conflict. Norma is intrigued and conflicted, while Arthur is disgusted and dismissive. Their dialogue reflects their growing unease and the strain that the moral dilemma places on their relationship.