Ep 1. The Man Who Was Death

In this first episode of the spooky and suspenseful anthology series Tales from the Crypt, entitled "The Man Who Was Death," we are introduced to an executioner named Niles Talbot, played by the talented character actor William Sadler. Talbot has just lost his job due to the abolishment of the death penalty in his state, and he is struggling to find another way to make a living. He believes firmly in the death penalty and is frustrated by what he sees as a lack of justice in the world. He spends his days wandering around his town, haunted by the memories of all the people he has put to death over the years and feeling lost and purposeless.

One day, Talbot stumbles upon a group of young hooligans who are vandalizing a graveyard. He confronts them and is surprised to find that he enjoys the feeling of power that comes from intimidating them. He begins to see himself as a vigilante, using his skills as an executioner to punish those he deems deserving of it. He starts to stalk the streets, looking for people who he feels should be punished, and before long he begins to take matters into his own hands.

The story takes a dark turn when we see Talbot go after a man who he believes is responsible for the death of a young woman. He captures the man and brings him to a secret underground chamber, where he has set up his own electric chair. In a chilling scene, Talbot straps the man into the chair and flicks the switch, watching as he is electrocuted. But as the credits roll, we are left with the unsettling feeling that Talbot is not done with his vigilante justice yet, and that there may be more gruesome moments to come.

As with all episodes of Tales from the Crypt, "The Man Who Was Death" is full of suspense, foreboding, and a general sense of unease. The show was known for its dark humor and twisted plots, and this episode is no exception. Director Walter Hill, who went on to direct films like "48 Hrs." and "The Warriors," infuses the episode with a gritty, noirish feel, creating a world that feels lived-in and dangerous. William Sadler gives a terrific performance as Talbot, imbuing him with a creepy intensity that keeps us on the edge of our seats.

In many ways, "The Man Who Was Death" feels like a perfect encapsulation of what made Tales from the Crypt such a beloved show. It's got a great cast, a suspenseful story, and a twist ending that leaves us wanting more. The show would go on to become a cult classic, running for seven seasons and inspiring a whole generation of horror fans. But it all started with this first episode, a chilling and unforgettable introduction to the world of Tales from the Crypt.