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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
: 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 is the first episode of the second season
"Tales from the Darkside" The Impressionist (TV Episode 1985) Coleman Easton (Story) Themes and Reception What begins
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.
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.