Ep 4. The Hitch-hiker
- March 22, 1980
- 26 min
-
7.3 (307)
In the second season's fourth episode of "Tales of the Unexpected," entitled "The Hitch-hiker," viewers are introduced to a married man named Roger, who is traveling from London to Brighton. Along the way, he picks up a hitchhiker, a young woman named Julie, and things soon take a dramatic turn.
As they travel together, Julie reveals that she is on her way to see her boyfriend, who is serving a prison sentence. Roger is initially sympathetic to her plight, but things become complicated when he offers to give her some money to help her out. She initially refuses, but when she later changes her mind, Roger starts to wonder if she might be playing him.
Before long, the situation takes a darker turn as Julie seduces Roger and then disappears, leaving him stranded on the side of the road. Roger is left feeling used and angry, and he starts to obsess over Julie and the experience they shared.
To make matters worse, Roger's wife returns home unexpectedly and discovers that he has been unfaithful. Their previously contented marriage is thrown into turmoil, and Roger must confront the consequences of his actions.
The episode is a taut psychological thriller that explores the dangers of desire and the consequences of betraying a spouse. It is expertly directed and features strong performances from the cast, particularly from the leads. Viewers will be riveted by the twists and turns of the plot and will be left pondering the darkness that can lurk within human nature.