At the facility, Dr. Coe (Bobby Di Cicco) reveals a captured alien named . The creature holds the secret to nuclear fusion, but the government has been unable to communicate with it because it primarily uses complex gestures and sounds. Remo is tasked with using his mimicry skills to perfectly emulate Hoffgosh's movements to establish a rapport.
: Haskell Barkin (Teleplay), M. Coleman Easton (Story) Themes and Reception [S2E1] The Impressionist
What begins as a forced government assignment evolves into a genuine bond. Remo eventually succeeds in "connecting" with the alien by mirroring its language. In a surprising twist ending, after Hoffgosh departs, the impressionist—who was initially depressed by the loss of his new friend—receives a visit that suggests a new, otherworldly beginning for his life. Spiffy Remo : Chuck McCann Dr. Coe : Bobby Di Cicco Pudgy : Jack Andreozzi Hoffgosh : Claudia Templeton Narrator : Paul Sparer Director : Armand Mastroianni At the facility, Dr
is the first episode of the second season of the horror/fantasy anthology series Tales from the Darkside . Originally aired on September 26, 1985, it departs from the show's typical horror roots to deliver a more lighthearted, science-fiction-leaning story about communication and human connection. Plot Summary Remo is tasked with using his mimicry skills
Critics and fans often note that "The Impressionist" is one of the series' more experimental and "feel-good" episodes. Rather than relying on traditional scares, it focuses on the idea of and the specialized skills required for interspecies communication. It is also noted by tech enthusiasts for its use of period-accurate hardware, featuring the Kaypro 4 and Kaypro Robie computers during the research scenes.
The episode follows (played by Chuck McCann), a talented but "over-the-hill" nightclub impressionist known as "Mr. Personalities". Despite his uncanny ability to mimic anyone, his career is on the decline. His life takes a sharp turn when he is blackmailed by a mysterious government agent named Pudgy (Jack Andreozzi) and taken to a secret facility.