Azoth the Avenger Is a Friend of Mine

"Azoth the Avenger Is a Friend of Mine" is the tenth episode of the science fiction television series 2002 revival of The Twilight Zone. The episode was first broadcast on October 16, 2002, on UPN.

Opening narration

Plot summary

Twelve-year-old Craig Hansen is reading a comic book about Azoth the Avenger, a barbarian hero and Craig's idol. As his night security guard father Darrell yells at his mother Lorraine, Craig paints his Azoth figurine and notices mystic runes on the base. Darrell comes in and asks if Craig has been practicing basketball at the nearby street corner. Craig tells him that three bullies beat him up and an angry Darrell tells him to man up. Darrell leaves and Craig translates the runes using a code in his comic books. A glowing light surrounds the Azoth figure and it disappears… and the real Azoth appears in Craig's room. Azoth asks how he came there and Craig explains, and then has the hero hide as his mother comes in. She apologizes for Darrell, saying he has a tough life, and leaves. Azoth drops down from the ceiling and notices Craig's black eye from the bullies. He declares that Craig must be avenged. They go to the basketball court together and the bullies start to attack Craig. Azoth sheathes his sword in the sidewalk and casually tosses one bully through a fence: the others run in terror.

Craig takes some food from his refrigerator and then leads Azoth to the laundry in the basement. As they eat, Craig shows him the figure's base and Azoth talks about how when he was young, he fled from a pack of demons that slaughtered his family. He still regrets the one battle that he never fought.

The next day, Craig asks Azoth to take him with him when he goes back to his fantasy land and Azoth agrees. Craig hears his dad yelling at Lorraine about the missing food and goes to confront his battle. He explains that he took the food but Darrell does not believe him. Azoth comes in and decides that Darrell is the evil he is destined to fight. However, Darrell, a veteran night security guard, savagely beats Azoth with his night stick, takes his sword, handcuffs his wrists and ankles and kicks him out of the house. Darrell insists he is not a bad guy, and he was just protecting his family against a long-haired freak. Craig finally gives in and lies, saying that Azoth is some adult who dresses in an Azoth costume for conventions. Darrell and Lorraine both insist he stay away from the "nut".

Craig goes down to the basement where a battered, cowering and helpless Azoth is recovering from his wounds. Craig is emotionally shattered, seeing this is the first time Azoth has been defeated in battle so quickly. Lorraine follows him and binds Azoth's wounds, and he says that Darrell is not worthy of her. Azoth tells Craig that he has more power and strength that he knows: power that comes from within. He tells Craig that he must fight his own battles and the boy sends Azoth back to where he came. He goes upstairs and gets the sword as Darrell abuses Lorraine verbally because she took the bandages. He confronts his father who knocks away the sword. Lorraine tries to stop him, but Darrell tosses her to the ground. He prepares to beat Craig and the boy recites the magic words. Lorraine and Craig look on as Darrell disappears in a flash of light. Craig goes to the bedroom of his now peaceful house and has a new figure: his father, beating a shackled Azoth senseless. As Lorraine watches Craig work on his two action figures, Forest Whitaker appears in the room narrating that Craig has become his own hero.

Closing narration

External links

• "Azoth the Avenger Is a Friend of Mine" at TV.com
• "Azoth the Avenger Is a Friend of Mine" at the Internet Movie Database