Tread Perilously -- The Hitchhiker: The Killer

Tread Perilously's horror month continues with a look at the anthology series The Hitchhiker via its slasher-esque episode called "The Killer." Despite Meg's protests, her family plans to leave her behind while going on a vacation. Well, her brother, Jonathan, may also be staying to do some shooting. But when most of the clan is killed via shotgun blasts, Meg must fend for herself as the killer is somewhere in the palatial home. Is Jonathan behind the deaths? And can Meg use her wheelchair to devise clever ways to avoid him? Erik discovers The Hitchhiker is not a ripoff of The Hitcher. Justin finds room to champion Mute Witness. Guest star Jenny Seagrove's CableACE Award win for the episode leads to a discussion of cable TV quality in the 1980s. Erik reveals where Justin has seen fellow guest star Lisa Foster before. The pair also discuss the qualities of a good twist. They even invent "The Beach That Makes You Old" Scale. Justin defends Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Hot Dog ... The Movie suddenly becomes important. Proper day-for-night photography is discussed, as is the unfortunate brevity of The Hitchhiker, which leads to thin characters. And on an unrelated note, Michael Winner becomes a cinematic devil.