'Death In Deep Water', first transmitted on 22 May 1976, marked the last episode of the best anthology series of all time - Thriller. Following a mixed final season which had highs ('Dial A Deadly Number') and lows ('Sleepwalker'), 'Death In Deep Water' is a most satisfying conclusion.
Bradford Dillman returns for his second outing as Gary Stevens, an eagerly sought-after (in a bad way - wanted dead) former hit-man who has taken refuge in a remote island cottage. His only companion is Ian Bannen, who plays the colourful fisherman Doonan. One day a young woman calls to the cottage seeking shelter from the storm. She is known as Blondie and after some initial hesitation it becomes obvious that Dillman is attracted to her. Gradually the relationship blossoms and more is revealed about her - primarily of interest is her marital status to a wealthy man more than twice her age.
Out of the blue Blondie tells Gary that her husband wishes to uproot them to Nice for sunnier climes and their liaison will soon conclude. Unless, of course, an accident were to befall him, whereupon the riches would go to her. A plan is concocted and Gary returns to his old profession with an well-taken hit. Soon afterwards things take a nasty turn for the worse when it appears that Blondie has fallen foul of the cruel sea, and indeed, died in deep water.
The pace is slow but satisfying and as the narrative unfolds we are continually reminded of Gary's wanted status with a lone assassin on his trail checking out various possible locations.
The ending is superb and comes is a neat twist - sometime which had lacked in later episodes. A worthy finale.