All four of Arthur Hiller's previous episodes are watchable, though only "Post Mortem" was great. Likewise with all the other twelve episodes that followed "The Jokester". His output (seventeen episodes altogether) was inconsistent, not unexpected as none of the regular directors for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' were consistent, but none of his episodes misfired massively or season or series low points. Did like the premise here, though did worry as to whether it would get too silly, and as has been said frequently this reviewer has a thing for good premises.
"The Jokester" mostly did a quite good job with its premise, though did fall short of reaching full potential. It is not as good as "Post Mortem", but despite a few not so minor debits it is a solid outing and proof that Hiller's work was still worth a look. There are far better 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, including the Season 4 opener "Poison", but it is infinitely better than the very weak previous outing "Don't Interrupt" (one of my least favourites of the series).
It is not a great episode. It is very far fetched at the end, with what happens being like being in a universe different to reality like with not checking for a pulse.
Did feel too that it did get too over silly at times and at others a little too cruel.
However, a lot works. Albert Salmi was looking as though he was really enjoying himself, and is an expert mix of the funny and the unsettling. Hitchcock's bookending is amusing, fitting with the story's tone more than ideally, while Hiller's direction is some of his most accomplished.
Moreover, the production values are slick and atmospheric, neither overblown or cheap. The music fitted very well, at times ominous and at other times offbeat. The dialogue is entertaining and thought provoking, while not being too reliant on too much talk.
While the story isn't perfect, it is never dull and isn't too derivative despite it not being novel. It is often suspenseful and it is also darkly offbeat.
Pretty good episode all in all. 7/10.
"The Jokester" mostly did a quite good job with its premise, though did fall short of reaching full potential. It is not as good as "Post Mortem", but despite a few not so minor debits it is a solid outing and proof that Hiller's work was still worth a look. There are far better 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, including the Season 4 opener "Poison", but it is infinitely better than the very weak previous outing "Don't Interrupt" (one of my least favourites of the series).
It is not a great episode. It is very far fetched at the end, with what happens being like being in a universe different to reality like with not checking for a pulse.
Did feel too that it did get too over silly at times and at others a little too cruel.
However, a lot works. Albert Salmi was looking as though he was really enjoying himself, and is an expert mix of the funny and the unsettling. Hitchcock's bookending is amusing, fitting with the story's tone more than ideally, while Hiller's direction is some of his most accomplished.
Moreover, the production values are slick and atmospheric, neither overblown or cheap. The music fitted very well, at times ominous and at other times offbeat. The dialogue is entertaining and thought provoking, while not being too reliant on too much talk.
While the story isn't perfect, it is never dull and isn't too derivative despite it not being novel. It is often suspenseful and it is also darkly offbeat.
Pretty good episode all in all. 7/10.