Ep 18. The Shadow In The Well

In "The Shadow In The Well," the eighteenth episode of Rod Serling's Night Gallery's first season, a middle-aged man named Harold who is mourning the loss of his wife purchases a dilapidated house in the countryside to fix up and rebuild his life. Initially excited and hopeful about the project, Harold becomes increasingly disturbed by a mysterious shadow lurking in the well on his property. Despite the warnings of his housekeeper, who insists that the shadow is a malignant presence and should be left alone, Harold becomes fixated on the shadow and starts to believe that it has some kind of power over him.

As he spends more time obsessing over the shadow, Harold begins to experience strange and disturbing dreams that seem to be connected to the well and the shadow. He dreams of being dragged down into the depths of the well by unseen hands and of a figure emerging from the shadow to taunt him. As his mental state deteriorates, Harold's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent, leading to a chilling final confrontation with the shadow.

"The Shadow In The Well" is a haunting exploration of loss, grief, and madness, with strong performances from the cast and a richly atmospheric setting that adds to the sense of unease. The episode benefits from Serling's distinctive writing style, which blends elements of supernatural horror, psychological suspense, and character-driven drama to create a gripping and unforgettable story. Although it may be too intense for some viewers, "The Shadow In The Well" is a must-see for fans of classic horror and suspense.