"De Mortuis" is the third episode of Season 2's 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', the season started very disappointingly but a much better if not mind-blowing second episode followed. It is also Robert Stevens' first directing credit for Season 2. His episodes from Season 1 mostly ranged between decent and great, with big hits including "Momentum" and "Our Cook's a Treasure" and big lows including "Shopping for Death" and "The Hidden Thing". So quite a bit was expected, especially with an intriguing premise that is akin to early Hitchcock.
It didn't quite live up to high expectations or its attention-grabbing and foreboding title, but it didn't waste them. Of the three Season 2 episodes up to this early point, it is the best of the three while not being great let alone exceptional itself. There are better Stevens-directed episodes before and since, but also a good deal worse on both counts. "De Mortuis" is indeed in the top middle category to me, with the cast being the biggest interest point and being more interesting than the story.
Am going to start with what "De Mortuis" could have done better. While the story is diverting enough, there is not an awful lot that surprises, it is not particularly imaginative and there could have been more suspense in an episode that cried out for a lot of it.
Like "Fog Closing In", "De Mortuis" would have been benefitted from a longer length and at times more time to breathe.
However, there are things done very well. The performances are very good and it was interesting to see the cast in the roles they're in, ones that play to their strengths while also being different. Robert Emhardt in particular excels, showing a side that one doesn't usually see. Henry Jones is also natural. Stevens directs with enough confidence, particularly later on.
While suspense could have been more, the episode does pick up towards the end and is quite fun and intriguing. The end twist isn't mind-blowing and it would have been better if it wasn't spoiled, but isn't simplistic or confusing at least. The production values are solid while Hitchcock's intro sees Hitchcock showing that he was equally at home in droll humour as he was in suspense. "Funeral March of a Marionette" is a great main theme and among the best uses of pre-existing classical music for any television series. The script is diverting and intelligent, even if it could have been tighter.
Overall, above average and decent though not exceptional. 7/10.