December 6, 1974
Written by: Al Friedman & David Chase
Directed by: Gordon Hessler
Guest Stars: Keenan Wynn, Severn Darden, Richard Kiel, Johnny Silver, Randy Boone
This is one of the better episodes from the series' run. It deals with a "Peremalfait", a bayou swamp monster. What makes this interesting is that this creature has materialized from the unconscious mind of a patient at a dream clinic! As the Peremalfait stalks Chicago and takes victims, it gains strength until it exists independently, even after the death of it's conjurer! The episode has no real weaknesses. The story is unique, the guest stars shine, the suspense is maintained, and the final confrontation, while not "scary", is an enjoyable one. This may not knock anyone's socks off, but it's an episode you wouldn't be ashamed to show your friends that never saw The Night Stalker.
Grade: B
10. The Energy Eater
December 13, 1974
Written by: Arthur Rowe & Rudolph Borchert
Directed by: Alex Grasshoff
Guest Stars: William Smith, Robert Yuro, Elaine Giftos, and Robert Cornthwaite.
This is probably the worst episode of the series. A new hospital is being built over the site where Matchemonedo, an invisible bear-god (yes, bear-god!), once lived. He is awakened by the construction and vengefully killing his disturbers with an electrical energy. It seems this spirit thrives on electrical energy.....or something like that. This episode is a wreck! Dumb story, no suspense, terrible effects, poor pacing, and poorly directed by Grasshoff. The ending, which can sometimes save a story from the dump, is even botched. In spite of this being a terrible episode, it has two positives in its favor: William Smith. It's always good to see William Smith, a prolific B-movie actor who was seen anywhere and everywhere in the '70s. And, more importantly, a great scene (much too good of a scene for this episode!) wherein Kolchak and Smith's character assemble x-rays into a huge "picture" of the EYE of the creature. It's an awesome, chilling scene thrown into the middle of this dreadful schlock.
Grade: F
11. Horror In The Heights
December 20, 1974
Written by: Jimmy Sangster
Directed by: Michael T. Caffey
Guest Stars: Abraham Sofaer, Phil Silvers, Murray Matheson, Benny Rubin.
An excellent episode about a Rakshasa, a hindu demon that stalks and kills the elderly. This demon can appear to its victims in the form of the person they most trust in their life. A great premise. The story unfolds in a slow but deliberate manner, always mantaining one's interest right to the end. There is something (perhaps the pace) that keeps it from being THE best episode of the run, but it is highly recommended to those that have never seen an episode of the Night Stalker. The monster scenes are a bit clunky but not cheesy enough to completely ruin their effectiveness. I guess a good story and good acting can go along way. They certainly do here.
Grade: A
12. Mr. R.I.N.G.
January 10, 1975
Written by: L. Ford Neale & John Huff
Directed by: Gene Levitt
Guest Stars: Corinne Michaels, Craig Baxley, Julie Adams, Bert Freed, Henry Beckman.
This is the most singular, unique episode of the series. There is little in the way of horror, less comedy than normal, and a sympathetic villian. The story centers around a robot that kills its creator to save itself and escapes. The robot, known as Mr. RING, (probably) kills a postal worker, but beyond that, he poses no definite threat to society. He is merely trying to survive. As Kolchak digs deeper, he becomes immersed in a government conpiracy that comes to a head in the sad, tragic ending.
This episode is tough to analyze in that it is so different. Strengths: Good story with a conspiratorial feel. Weaknesses: A slow pace and an unconvincing robot. Note: Mr. R.I.N.G. fashions himself a bland, creepy human face to hide his circuitry face. I wonder if John Carpenter saw this episode??
Grade: C-
