General Information
Director: Kyle MacLachlan
Writer: Ron Finley
Cast: Hector Elizondo, Patsy Kensit, John Shea, Adam West, Sam Waterson, and John Kassir
Composer: Branford Marsalis
Air Date: 10/2/1993
Overview
Overly suspicious, middle-aged businessman Leo Burns (Hector Elizondo) hires G.G. Devoe (Sam Waterson)—a shady detective—to investigate the daytime activities of his young wife Bridget (Patsy Kensit). Thereafter, Leo is led to believe that Bridget and Father John Sejac (John Shea)—liberal-minded priest at a local church—are having an affair.
Despite forgoing elements of a macabre or supernatural variety, “As Ye Sow” is an intriguing, mystery-themed episode of Tales from the Crypt. Especially outstanding is the performance of Hector Elizondo, which effectively captures the subtle (and later full-blown) paranoia that one would expect of a devastated husband.
Pros
In the final scene, Leo—now distrustful of Devoe, who appears to have fled the country with a large sum of Leo’s money—decides to impersonate Father
Sejac when Bridget arrives at the church for her weekly confession. While revealing her sins, Bridget explains the true motive behind her recent lack of affection toward her husband; but not before Leo’s murderous plot, already set in motion by Devoe and a hired goon (portrayed by an uncredited Miguel Ferrer), can be stopped—a compelling, semi-unpredictable resolution to an otherwise unremarkable, if exceptionally well-acted, installment of Tales from the Crypt.
Cons
Prior to the twist ending, “As Ye Sow” fails to generate an absorbing layer of suspense, terror, or excitement—three defining aspects of many Tales from the Crypt episodes.
Analysis
Indicating that husbands and wives should always communicate their feelings and insecurities to each other, “As Ye Sow” contains a basic but worthwhile message on avoiding marital strife.
Concluding Comments
A unique episode of Tales from the Crypt, “As Ye Sow” complements a commendable life lesson with the visual and narrative structure of a classic noir film. Series enthusiasts may, however, wish to avoid this entry for its utter absence of horror-related subject matter.
Overall Quality: 7/10
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