Aqua Vita

"Aqua Vita" is the second segment of the twenty-sixth episode (the fourth episode of the second season (1986–87)) of the television series The Twilight Zone. It was written by Paul Chitlik and Jeremy Bertrand Finch, writers who went on to become story editors of the syndicated version of the hit show from 1988 to 1989.

Plot

After a surprise birthday party given by her husband Marc, Christine, a news anchor in her 40's, begins to wonder about her employment outlook now that she is getting older. She worries that she may lose her job to someone younger. She hears about another reporter named Shauna who is actually over 40 years old but is incredibly young-looking. Curious, she learns about a bottled water called "Aqua Vita" which can make one look younger with its use which she quickly orders for herself.

The delivery man installs the system and states Christine should drink 5 to 6 glasses of water at first, then just one glass from then on. Christine soon learns that although the first batch is free the following shipments continue to raise in price. When she asks the delivery man how old is he, he cryptically answers, "don't ask".

She soon begins to spend massive amounts of money on the water to ensure their continued delivery. An unfortunate side effect of Aqua Vita is that without constant use withdrawal results in rapid aging. When this effect becomes apparent in Shauna, Marc confronts Christine and he tells her that regardless of her age and appearance he loves her. They contemplate what to do next and he decides to drink the water himself in order to join her in old age.

Closing narration

External links

• "Aqua Vita" on IMDb
• "Aqua Vita" at TV.com