Ep 11. Pick Me Up - Larry Cohen

In Masters of Horror season 1 episode 11, titled "Pick Me Up," viewers are taken on a terrifying journey along a desolate stretch of highway. The episode is directed by Larry Cohen, an accomplished filmmaker known for his contributions to the horror genre.

The premise of the episode revolves around a chance encounter between two travelers, a young woman named Stacia and a hauntingly creepy hitchhiker named Walker. Stacia is a tough, resourceful woman who is making her way to Florida for a planned vacation when she runs into Walker, a hitchhiker who seems almost too accommodating.

As Stacia and Walker make their way down the highway, they soon cross paths with another driver, a man named Jim Wheeler. But Wheeler isn't just any ordinary driver - he's a sadistic killer who preys on travelers along this particular stretch of barren road.

As the two travelers realize they are in danger, they must band together in order to survive. But with Walker's hidden agenda and Jim Wheeler's unrelenting pursuit, it soon becomes clear that Stacia is in a fight for her life.

What makes "Pick Me Up" such a compelling episode is how it plays with the expectations of the horror genre. At first glance, it may seem like a simple tale of survival against a madman. But as the episode progresses, viewers are treated to a series of twists and turns that keep them guessing until the very end.

One of the standout performances in the episode comes from actor Fairuza Balk, who plays Stacia. Balk perfectly balances strength and vulnerability in her portrayal of the character, making her a compelling focal point for the story.

The other two main characters, played by Michael Moriarty and Warren Kole, are equally engaging. Moriarty brings a sense of menace to his role as Jim Wheeler, while Kole's Walker is simultaneously charming and unnerving.

Overall, "Pick Me Up" is a standout episode in the Masters of Horror series. It's a thrilling, well-crafted story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. And with a master of the genre like Larry Cohen at the helm, it's no surprise that this episode is a must-watch for horror fans.