Premonition

Good episode throughout. Doesn't exactly drawl you in but doesn't bore either.

This second episode is a bit bland, as any other suspense story. The plot not that exciting nor interesting, and only the ending is worth the watch. I am a bit tough with this episode, especially after the first amazing episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. But don't misunderstand what I mean here. It is a good episode if you forget the first one. And also keep in mind that the several hundred episodes to come will be, for most of them, far more exciting than this one. I did not feel that much concerned with this investigation, the man seeking the reasons why and how hid old man died. No, I did not feel that concerned.

Suspenseful half-hour that remains one of the series' more memorable. John Forsythe returns home after a long stay in France, to reconcile with his aging father. Just what caused the father-son rupture, we can't be sure. However, people treat him oddly upon seeing him again. In the meantime, his father has died under uncertain circumstances. There's a dark undercurrent here that's being withheld. But what is it?

Good suspense as the mystery deepens. First-rate cast, including early Cloris Leachman and George Maceady in rare non-threatening role. If you have enough of a premonition, you might guess the solution. One question: it takes Forsythe 3 hours to hike to a remote mountain cabin, yet Leachman arrives a few minutes later in a dress with heels, no less! There's a real mystery here.

After a great first episode in "Revenge", expectations were high for the second episode "Premonition". How can one resist such an inviting and ominous sounding title for instance? This episode may not have the extra advantage of being directed by Hitchcock, but it is directed by the most prolific director of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' Robert Stevens in his debut episode. The series had many talented actors involved, in "Premonition's" case we have John Forsythe and a young Cloris Leachman.

"Premonition" is another great episode. It is not quite one of the very finest hours from 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but as far as the promising Season 1 goes it's another episode that is in the better half. While it's not my definition of flawless, not many episodes fit that distinction, there is so much to admire here and "Premonition" is also proof that there is very good reason as to why Stevens directed so frequently (the most prolific director) on the series.

There is not much to fault "Premonition" actually. Do still think that the bookending rambles a little, which was not the first or last time that was the case and it's not among the worst either.

Everything else is excellent, with Forsythe's searingly intense and touchingly vulnerable performance and the unpredictable twist, that still shocks, particularly standing out. It's directed with a great feel for atmosphere and efficiency by Stevens, even if he did even better in some of his other episodes at the suspense factor. Leachman is barely recognisable from the later roles she is best known for (her amazing performance in 'Last Picture Show'), and does a fine job as the sister in law. The acting is all fine, George Macready particularly strong.

Furthermore, the production values are suitably moody and professional looking. Have always loved the series' theme tune, with Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" being for me one of the best uses of pre-existing classical music on television (bravo to Bernard Hermmann for suggesting it).

It is tautly scripted and avoids being too melodramatic, which was a danger with this type of story. The story is crisply paced and there is a lot going on without feeling too over-crowded. The atmosphere is suitably suspenseful.

Concluding, great. 9/10.

A man (John Forsythe) returning to his home town finds his father has died, and suspects his friends are covering up the true details of that death. A strong performance from John Forsythe ( he's quite intense and desperate) and some atmosphere lifts this entry above average, and the twist is good, but some of the revelation regarding Forsythe can be unsatisfactory, lacking detail.