Herschel Daugherty's 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' output was uneven, though it was not hard to see why he was one of the series' most regular directors as most of his previous episodes ranged between decent and outstanding. He directed some outstanding episodes, with "The Creeper" and "Little White Frock" being two of my favourite episodes of the series, but he was also responsible for one of the series worst and its oddest "Sylvia". Had no doubt that "The Last Dark Step" would be at least good, with a premise this good.
"The Last Dark Step" didn't disappoint at all. It is a premise that is very 1940s Hitchcock-like and is executed in a way that is very Hitchcockian, despite it not being directed by him. As far as Season 4 goes up to this point, which has generally been solid, "The Last Dark Step" is one of the best along with "Poison" and "The Crooked Road". And it is one of the best Daugherty-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes along with "The Creeper" and "Little White Frock".
Everything works. It is impeccably acted, with Robert Horton giving his best guest turn of the series with him expertly making his character as detestable as possible while also giving him a little sympathetic edge at points. Which is why his character is so interesting. Fay Spain is alluring and charming with strong chemistry with Horton. Daugherty's direction never tries to do too much while keeping the drama tight and not letting the suspense levels drop.
Moreover, the story is constantly intriguing and is incredibly atmospheric in a suspenseful way. The ending is completely unpredictable and is absolutely priceless. The production values are slick and atmospheric enough and Hitchcock's bookending is suitably droll in writing and delivery as per usual. Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" is a great choice for the theme music.
All the script is tight and intriguing, nothing feeling soapy or unnecessary.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10.