Ep 29. The Dark Pool

The show Alfred Hitchcock Hour season 1 episode 29, titled "The Dark Pool," is a suspenseful tale that takes the audience on a journey through the chilling and mysterious events that take place after a young woman, Liz Stiles, discovers a dark pool hidden in the woods.

As the episode begins, we meet Liz, who is out for a hike in the woods with her boyfriend, Jerry. While exploring the area, Liz accidentally stumbles across a strange and ominous pool, seemingly hidden from the rest of the world. Despite Jerry's warnings, Liz becomes increasingly fascinated with the pool, and can't help but investigate it further.

As the episode progresses, Liz's obsession with the pool begins to take a sinister turn, as she becomes increasingly paranoid and fearful of the strange forces that she feels are at work around her. At the same time, a series of disturbing events begin to take place, leading Liz to wonder whether she has unleashed an ancient evil that has awoken from its slumber.

The tension and suspense in this episode build slowly but steadily, as the audience is kept on the edge of its seat, wondering what will happen next. As Liz becomes more and more consumed by her curiosity about the pool, we are left wondering whether she will be able to escape the dark forces that seem to be closing in on her.

What sets this episode apart from other thrillers of the time is its rich and atmospheric depiction of the natural world. The dark pool itself is depicted as a place of great mystery and power, drawing Liz further and further into its depths. Meanwhile, the surrounding forest is a place of both beauty and danger, with shadows lurking around every corner and the sounds of the creatures of the night setting the scene for the eerie events that follow.

Alongside the tension and suspense of the episode, there are also moments of tenderness and humanity, as Liz's relationship with Jerry is put to the test by the strange events that are unfolding around them. The characters are well-drawn and believable, with the audience able to empathize with their struggles and fears.

In terms of its themes, "The Dark Pool" is a classic exploration of the dangers of curiosity and human desire. As Liz becomes more entranced by the mysteries of the pool, she risks losing sight of her own safety and sanity. At the same time, the episode raises questions about the nature of evil and the forces that lie beneath the surface of our everyday lives.

Overall, "The Dark Pool" is a gripping and atmospheric episode of the Alfred Hitchcock Hour, blending suspense, horror, and human drama in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. As one of the show's standout episodes, it is well worth a watch for fans of classic suspense and horror.