Ep 5. The Five Forty-Eight

In the fifth episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents' sixth season, entitled "The Five Forty-Eight," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey full of suspense and deceit.

The episode begins with a successful businessman named Roger Thornhill, who has made a habit of having affairs with his secretaries. One of his former secretaries, a woman named Miriam, was particularly hurt by their failed relationship and had to be fired due to her erratic behavior. Roger thinks nothing of it until he is on his way home on the 5:48 train and sees Miriam getting on the same train. She immediately confronts him and threatens to kill him for leaving her destitute.

The episode quickly becomes a cat-and-mouse game, with Roger desperately trying to get away from Miriam while also trying to reason with her. As he tries to navigate this dangerous situation, he realizes the extent of the damage he has caused in Miriam's life. He begins to feel guilty and wonders if his sense of entitlement and privilege have blinded him to the consequences of his actions.

Despite his pleas, Miriam remains fixated on her plan to kill Roger and seems to be unshakeable. The train ride becomes a slow burn of suspense as the two engage in a tense conversation, with Roger slowly realizing that he may not make it out alive. The episode takes viewers on a journey of unrelenting tension, with both Roger and Miriam playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

The cinematography in this episode is masterful, with Hitchcock's signature camera angles and eerie background music heightening the tension and suspense. The episode is shot predominantly in black and white, which adds to the noir feel of the show. The cast delivers exceptional performances, with John Williams as Roger and Susan Oliver as Miriam having incredible chemistry and truly embodying their respective characters.

Overall, "The Five Forty-Eight" is a classic episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents that highlights the director's skill in creating tension and suspense on the small screen. It is a gripping tale of guilt, obsession, and retribution that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.