Amazing Stories (TV Series) What If...? (1986) User Reviews

Why does everything disappear?

[sonnyschlaegel · 6/10 · 23 May 2007]

Jonah, a child about five years old, asks his parents not to leave him alone. They want to go to a party. Jonah is afraid and asks what would be if they didn't return. His parents don't seem to care about him very much. It seems to be more important to them to tell him not to leave his things lying around than to reassure him. And the babysitter isn't very friendly to him, either. Then, strange things begin to happen. First, Jonah's toy fire-truck disappears. Then other things and even people disappear. And it seems Jonah's parents don't even notice him any longer. What is happening?

This is an o.k. episode in my opinion, but I think the ending could have been better. I don't mind if a story is sentimental as long as it's a good story, but the ending of this one was a bit too sentimental to my taste. (I'd like to give reasons for that, but I don't want to spoil the ending.) But I liked the beginning and the middle. There was some suspense: I really wondered why the things disappear and the other strange things happen.

I think if you liked 'Dorothy and Ben' (#1.18), also a sentimental story, you may like this one, too, and should consider watching it if you have the chance. But I liked 'Dorothy and Ben' better, so I haven't given this episode as many points.

Jonah...the invisible child.

[planktonrules · 4/10 · 23 June 2015]

Jonah is an unwanted child. His parents are far more concerned with themselves, wealth and having the perfect home than they are about having a child...and Jonah is depressed and lonely. He even considers running away or asking another family to take him....and you cannot blame him at all, as his folks are jerk-faces. To his aid comes an invisible friend...and friend who offers to take him away to folks who really want him.

This is one weird show...really, really weird. The solution to Jonah's predicament is ultra-bizarre and I am pretty sure it won't make a lot of viewers happy. I liked MOST of the show...but the ending was pretty lame. Despite its crappiness, I still give points because it really does tug at your heart.

Where Is This Going?

[Hitchcoc · 3/10 · 28 May 2014]

Of all the stories presented in the two years of this series, this is the biggest non-entity of all. Basically, nothing happens. There is this little fashion model, 1980's boy and his two entitled parents. He tries to get their attention and they don't give it. He tries to hook up with some other people but that doesn't work out. What does he want? I don't know. The conclusion is mysterious and doesn't really answer the questions. Wait a minute! There are no questions. The director went out of his way to portray the most sterile environment possible (everything is white). All the food is neatly placed in catalogued containers. He is constantly lectured about his toys and his very presence. What did the writer hope to tell us?

Found my old favorite!

[amandanw-73131 · 10/10 · 19 August 2023]

This was my favorite episode when I was a kid! The episode perfectly gives the viewer the feeling of loneliness and lack of understanding of others. And in the end, you get hope. Without spoiling it, it leaves you with hope that maybe there'll be a chance for a better life.

That's really all there is to say about it.

I thought about this episode for years. I saw it on TV back in the days of no cable and no internet. I didn't remember what the series was called. When the internet came along, I started searching. I finally found it a few years ago and bought the DVD set of the whole series so I could see it again.

Makes no sense AT ALL.

[squall41269-550-364332 · 1/10 · 21 October 2021]

This episode has been bugging me since I was a kid. It felt like one of the weird dreams I have sometimes. From beginning to end it makes NO SENSE. Was the kid dead? Unborn? In the afterlife? We will never know. I love all the rest of the episodes but this one is a pass.