Ep 1. The Return Of The Sorcerer

In Night Gallery's third season premiere, entitled "The Return of the Sorcerer," viewers are introduced to a peculiar antique dealer named Galen Westen (played by Vincent Price). Westen is approached by a young man named Tim (played by Bill Bixby), who is searching for a particular item: a cursed box that once belonged to a powerful sorcerer named Attreides.

According to Tim, Attreides used the box to commune with the spirits and practice various forms of dark magic. However, the sorcerer's powers became too great, and he was eventually banished from his home country of Greece. Tim claims to have found evidence that suggests Attreides had made his way to New Orleans, where he may have hidden the box before his death.

Galen initially dismisses Tim's claims as fanciful nonsense, but after some persuasion, he eventually agrees to help the young man find the box. The two of them set out on a journey through the backwoods of Louisiana, eventually arriving at an abandoned plantation house where Attreides was rumored to have resided.

It soon becomes clear that something is amiss in the old house, as strange occurrences begin to happen. Galen and Tim hear eerie whispers and footsteps, and creepy shadows appear on the walls. Galen becomes increasingly worried that they've stumbled upon something dangerous, but Tim refuses to back down.

As they explore further, they come across an old book containing detailed instructions on how to perform Attreides' most powerful spell. Tim becomes obsessed with the idea of learning the spell, convinced that it will lead him to the cursed box. Galen tries to talk him out of it, but Tim is too consumed by his desire for knowledge.

Eventually, Tim performs the spell and unleashes an ancient force that has been lying dormant for centuries. As it turns out, Attreides had not only hidden the box, but also a powerful demon that he had summoned from the underworld. Now that the demon has been released, it sets its sights on Galen and Tim, seeking vengeance for Attreides' banishment.

The episode concludes with a tense battle between the demon and the two men, as they desperately try to seek safety and contain the evil entity. As the sun rises over the plantation house, it's unclear whether Galen and Tim will make it out alive.

Overall, "The Return of the Sorcerer" is a classic supernatural thriller that plays on many common horror tropes. Fans of Night Gallery or Vincent Price will likely enjoy the episode's atmospheric setting and eerie storyline. However, those looking for a more action-packed or nuanced experience may find it lacking. Regardless, it's a solid addition to the Night Gallery canon and an excellent start to the show's third season.