The Night Stalker

The Night Stalker has quietly become one of the more dependable crime dramas currently available. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Darren McGavin's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

The Night Stalker is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The plotting gives The Night Stalker its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. Wisecracking reporter Carl Kolchak investigates a string of murders in Las Vegas and suspects the culprit is a vampire. His editor thinks he's crazy and the police think he's a nuisance, so Kolchak takes matters into his own hands. Darren McGavin and Carol Lynley lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1972. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — The Night Stalker passes that test consistently. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, The Night Stalker will keep you hooked. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Watch Darren McGavin work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.