Don Taylor directed seven episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', of varying quality. Of which "Fatal Figures" is the third, following the above average but unexceptional "The Deadly" and the excellent "The Right Kind of House". 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' does have some light-hearted, droll humoured episodes, but the premise for "Fatal Figures" was one of those could have gone either way ones. With a real danger of being really daft if not done right.
"Fatal Figures" is watchable and fun enough and the acting saves it. It is a long way from a great episode though and does fall into the trap that the premise had unfortunately, after the absolutely wonderful previous episode "Lamb to the Slaughter" this was a disappointment. When it comes to Taylor's episodes, "Fatal Figures" is closer to "The Deadly" in quality rather than "The Right Kind of House" for similar reasons to each other. This reviewer does give it a small recommendation but doesn't consider it a must.
Quite a lot is good here. John McGiver is suitably droll and befuddled and Vivian Nathan is a very effective contrast and does sliminess unsettlingly. The chemistry between them is strong. Hitchcock's bookending is as ironic as ever and in an entertaining way that fits the light hearted tone of the story very well.
The production values are simple and have atmosphere and the theme music is appropriately macabre. Did enjoy the light hearted-ness of the script and there are intriguing moments in the story. Taylor directs more than competently.
However, "Fatal Figures" is rather flawed when it comes to the story. It has moments, but badly lacks suspense, feels over-stretched (making for some draggy run out of ideas like pacing in the second half) and goes too far on the silliness. Especially the ending, which is truly ludicrous.
Also felt that there could have been more tautness in the writing and the pacing plods. While McGiver does a good job in the lead role, not enough is done allowing one to care for him and he does act in a way that makes one feel frustrated by the decisions he makes.
Overall, above average and decent but not much here that is mind blowing. 6/10.