Warning do not read unless seen episode.
This is my eighth favorite episode in the show. The episode is almost like a stage play as it all takes place in one setting much like the play/movie "Wait Until Dark." There really isn't much to say as it's a simple hostage situation premise but what I like is it's pacing and just simply the fact that it's short so it doesn't drag on too long which is a mistake most of those stories sometimes make.
It's really tense because the whole episode has that feeling of isolation, knowing that the house is almost located in the middle of the country which means there is no one within miles to help. But also in the interplay between both Sam (John Cassavetes) and Mary.
John does a great job at playing a scum sucker you plain hate, and once again this was another acting debut for another well known actor, most known actors had their start playing baddies. The actress playing Mary is also really good and I'll admit I though she was really cute when I was a kid. Mary is a sweet character that really didn't ask or look for trouble which makes he all the more sympathetic because she didn't deserve this to happen to her.
Throughout the whole thing we are just constantly in suspense, hoping Mary will find some way out of her predicament. There is one moment that I thought was kinda funny when she locks the front door on Sam, this might seem like she's in the clear except for one big problem it's a damn screen door. Times like that I wish those things were never invented.
But we're also concerned about her life, as it has just this constant sense of discomfort. Half the time I was afraid not just that he might kill or hit her but may'be even rape her; which just all the more made me want Mary to somehow escape or for the authorities to find him on time.
I really liked the twist at the end, which might not be much of a twist if you paid close attention to a scene or two. It sort of makes the tale all the more interesting on a second watch as you have a better perspective on the character Mary.
Yeah you gotta have luck, but as an old saying goes "Sooner or later luck runs out." Rating: 4 stars
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