Technical Specs
Director: Douglas Heyes
Writer: Robert Presnell Jr.
Cast: John McIntire, Patricia Barry, George Grizzard, J. Pat O’Malley, Marjorie Bennett, Barbara Perry, and Rusty Wescoatt
Composer: None (Stock Music)
Air Date: 5/13/1960
Production Code: 173-3636
Overview
A hopeless romantic known as Roger Shackleworth (George Grizzard) falls madly in love with an unattainable beauty named Leila (Patricia Barry). After Roger’s unrequited feelings drive him insane with desire, a creepy old professor by the appropriate title of A. Daemon (John McIntire) sells Shackleworth a love potion, 
but warns him of its dire effects. To Roger’s surprise, Leila changes her attitude when she consumes the professor’s mysterious concoction. However, Roger soon realizes that even unconditional love comes at a cost.
Whereas the Tales from the Crypt
Pros
While nothing in particular stands out about the performances of George Grizzard and Patricia Barry in their respective roles as Roger and Leila, the late John McIntire portrayed Daemon with enough mystery and humor to carry the scenes that feature his character. On one hand, the professor initially conducts himself as a 
wise albeit jaded individual. In a seemingly benevolent display, Daemon warns Roger of the love potion’s volatile nature before making the sale. Of course, upon Roger’s return visit, this goofy character reveals his true colors by exploiting the foibles of his foolish young customers. By giving the professor an intriguing edge despite his limited role, McIntire proved his talents as an actor while simultaneously boosting the quality of this lackluster episode.
Cons
In addition to its underwhelming premise, the irritating attributes of the Leila character never quite reach the point where viewers could potentially sympathize with Roger’s attempt on her life. Though murder should repulse morally decent audiences regardless of the circumstances, Roger’s viewpoint might have 
at least been somewhat understandable if Barry had portrayed Leila’s clinginess by endowing her with a more grating personality.
Analysis
In this case, the moral lesson is quite obvious. By excusing Leila’s shallow characteristics in favor of her external beauty, Roger makes for a classic example of a man who would rather pursue trivial relationships over meaningful interactions with the opposite sex. Likewise, the fate of this buffoonish character should serve as a lesson to those who tolerate disrespectful behavior from either gender, yet lack the insight to realize why their problems only compound with time.
Concluding Comments
“The Chaser” contains a mildly amusing narrative that contrasts with the dark and depressing themes of many Rod Serling presentations. Some fans may appreciate the levity offered in this episode, though one can safely assert that Douglas Heyes’ execution of a timeless concept lacks the memorability of The Twilight Zone
Overall Quality: 6/10
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I did not see what was so irritating about Lela, unless you’re just talking about her ultra overly clingy ways after Roger gives her the first potion, but that was the point. It was the professor’s motive for getting his $1000 for selling The Cleaner. Lela wasn’t annoying except for her plot pointed extreme clingyness. Roger was the one acting overbearing, particularly with Lela before the first potion started working on her. He was a desperate leech with her acting obsessive about her. And his saying on the phone to her in actual words “I must see you! Must be with you! Desperately incredibly must!!” That’s not actually a good way to approach women.
I did like the character of the professor, the scenes with Roger and him were the best moments of the episode.
Also, for anyone who’s seen the movie “Misery” when James Cann and Cathy Bates hold a toast with Cann sneaking some drug powder into her wine glass, then her knocking the drugged wine glass over and Cann being very upset about it because Bates cannot have the spiked glass now. Seems quite similar to the scene in this episode with Roger sneaking the cleaner into Lela’s wine glass, the glass with the cleaner in it spilling, then Roger being upset because she cannot have the spiked glass now.