After a great first episode in "Revenge", expectations were high for the second episode "Premonition". How can one resist such an inviting and ominous sounding title for instance? This episode may not have the extra advantage of being directed by Hitchcock, but it is directed by the most prolific director of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' Robert Stevens in his debut episode. The series had many talented actors involved, in "Premonition's" case we have John Forsythe and a young Cloris Leachman.
"Premonition" is another great episode. It is not quite one of the very finest hours from 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but as far as the promising Season 1 goes it's another episode that is in the better half. While it's not my definition of flawless, not many episodes fit that distinction, there is so much to admire here and "Premonition" is also proof that there is very good reason as to why Stevens directed so frequently (the most prolific director) on the series.
There is not much to fault "Premonition" actually. Do still think that the bookending rambles a little, which was not the first or last time that was the case and it's not among the worst either.
Everything else is excellent, with Forsythe's searingly intense and touchingly vulnerable performance and the unpredictable twist, that still shocks, particularly standing out. It's directed with a great feel for atmosphere and efficiency by Stevens, even if he did even better in some of his other episodes at the suspense factor. Leachman is barely recognisable from the later roles she is best known for (her amazing performance in 'Last Picture Show'), and does a fine job as the sister in law. The acting is all fine, George Macready particularly strong.
Furthermore, the production values are suitably moody and professional looking. Have always loved the series' theme tune, with Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" being for me one of the best uses of pre-existing classical music on television (bravo to Bernard Hermmann for suggesting it).
It is tautly scripted and avoids being too melodramatic, which was a danger with this type of story. The story is crisply paced and there is a lot going on without feeling too over-crowded. The atmosphere is suitably suspenseful.
Concluding, great. 9/10.
"Premonition" is another great episode. It is not quite one of the very finest hours from 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but as far as the promising Season 1 goes it's another episode that is in the better half. While it's not my definition of flawless, not many episodes fit that distinction, there is so much to admire here and "Premonition" is also proof that there is very good reason as to why Stevens directed so frequently (the most prolific director) on the series.
There is not much to fault "Premonition" actually. Do still think that the bookending rambles a little, which was not the first or last time that was the case and it's not among the worst either.
Everything else is excellent, with Forsythe's searingly intense and touchingly vulnerable performance and the unpredictable twist, that still shocks, particularly standing out. It's directed with a great feel for atmosphere and efficiency by Stevens, even if he did even better in some of his other episodes at the suspense factor. Leachman is barely recognisable from the later roles she is best known for (her amazing performance in 'Last Picture Show'), and does a fine job as the sister in law. The acting is all fine, George Macready particularly strong.
Furthermore, the production values are suitably moody and professional looking. Have always loved the series' theme tune, with Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" being for me one of the best uses of pre-existing classical music on television (bravo to Bernard Hermmann for suggesting it).
It is tautly scripted and avoids being too melodramatic, which was a danger with this type of story. The story is crisply paced and there is a lot going on without feeling too over-crowded. The atmosphere is suitably suspenseful.
Concluding, great. 9/10.