"The Deadly" is the first of seven 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes directed by Don Taylor. It's another episode that stars Phyllis Thaxter, who was never less than good regardless of the overall quality of the episode. Season 3 started off very strongly and there were many very good and more episodes, though like the previous two seasons it was up and down with some disappointments. Did like the premise, though it is not very 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'-like agreed.
My overall impression of "The Deadly" was a bit mixed, while finding a lot to like about it. It is not exceptional and it is a case of the lead performance being better than the episode itself, not uncommon actually for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but it is above average and not too bad a first episode for Taylor. As far as Season 3 and 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' go, "The Deadly" is a long way from being one of the worst episodes (though perhaps around low-ish middle for Season 3). It is also far from being one of the best.
Faring best is the acting, with Thaxter perfectly cast and in full command and understanding of her material. A wide range of emotions conveyed with nuance and poignancy, with no signs of overwrought-ness. Lee Phillips is suitably unsettling and Craig Stevens is solid too. Hitchcock's bookending is delightfully ironic.
Count me in as another person who liked the ending a lot, it is not one of the most unpredictable or suspenseful endings of the series but it was plausible, had some tension and didn't feel like a cop out or that it had run out of ideas. The writing generally is intriguing and thought provoking, not sounding melodramatic. The story has intriguing moments, the production values are simple and have atmosphere and the theme music is appropriately macabre.
While there is intrigue in the story, it is lacking in suspense and feels a little on the bland and over familiar side on the whole with not much that is truly memorable other than Thaxter and the ending. Do agree that it doesn't feel like 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' and more a crime serial. Taylor directs with competence, but there is little that is inspired and distinguished with indication of inexperience in this kind of story.
Again, the script interests enough but it could have done with a good deal more tautness and been less talk heavy in the middle. The episode could have gotten going a little quicker.
In conclusion, above average if unexceptional. 6/10.
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