Was really impressed by all three of the first three episodes of Season 3. Of the three seasons of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' up to this point, Season 3 had by far the best first quarter even with not every episode working. Season 1's was mostly very solid apart from a few disappointments whereas Season 2 took a while to get going. Robert Stevens' output for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' was uneven, with some not so good episodes but most of his episodes were well above average and even very good (so him being used so frequently is understandable).
"Heart of Gold" is one of his best and for me it is one of the best episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' in a while. Certainly better than a vast majority of episodes from the first quarters from the previous two seasons, with only Season 1's "Breakdown" surpassing it. "Heart of Gold" is an excellent episode with very little to criticise (the sole criticism being nitpicky) and almost everything worth admiring, especially the acting. The way it is filmed and the writing is also worthy of admiration.
Sure, it does not have the most accurate portrayal of the parole process that has been seen in television. That is to be agreed with.
Everything more than makes up for that to the extent that that comes over as almost nitpicky. The acting is impeccable, Darryl Hickman carrying his difficult role with great ease, intensity and feeling. Mildred Dunnock is deceptively empathetic and really shines in the second half. Neremiah Persoff has very seldom been this frightening. Stevens' direction is some of his most accomplished and inspired, just loved how he never let the dark atmosphere and tension slip.
Loved also the subtlety of the filming, moody and never overdone or subdued. And how compact (without being too much so) and thoughtful the writing is. Some real intensity in the exchanges, without ever being talky, and Hitchcock's ironic bookending is typically fun. The story is wonderfully dark and tightly paced, the ending is one leaving one floored knockout. The series varied with its twist endings and "Heart of Gold's" is among the best of the earlier episodes. Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" was always an inspired choice for the series' theme music and still continues to fit the atmosphere beautifully.
Concluding, excellent. 9/10.