The Hitchhiker (TV Series) Best Shot (1987) User Reviews

The Hitchhiker - Best Shot

[Scarecrow-88 · 6/10 · 2 November 2013]

Okay episode of The Hitchhiker kind of tells us where it is going with the whole capital punishment debate between Parker Stevenson (a law professor) and student of his before joining his pal, Ken Olin (a lawyer) on a trip out of the big city for some kicks and giggles. Olin's Steven likes to take a walk on the wild side when away from the confines that law often entails, while Stevenson's Brett still remains a little restrained and reserved when it comes to his behavior among those outside of the city. Both will find themselves up against it when they encounter "jerk-off redneck pot farmers" (the great heavy Brion James, never to disappoint, and Jack Ross Obney). Ultimately, Steven will answer for a major mishap when his attention is diverted, driving his sports car too fast, and plowing into a person (who was hired help for the pot farmers!) on accident. That wasn't his problem. Steven carries around a video recorder, and he engages in a "recording game" with Brett, the endgame determining who can catch the other in an embarrassing moment worthy of paying up $100 bucks. While Brett was in control of the recorder, he sat it down on the dash momentarily to get Steven a pack of smokes, neither knowing that the victim hit by the car was recorded on tape. This recording will come back to haunt them. The pot farmers are afraid these two "city slickers" will "take pictures" of them so they will seek to learn what has been recorded by Steven and Brett, seeing the hit-and-run evidence. Steven had told Brett that it was a dog hit by the car (Brett's back was turned), pushing the victim down the hill to hide evidence of the crime! So an eye-for-an-eye (James says that's the way it works in his neck of the woods), and all of that. The final scene involving Brett's forced to drive his car towards Steven (underpinned by rock and gravel and unable to move) is quite a stunner, to say the least. It is always cool to see James, particularly in the 80s when he could pop up in just about anything. He isn't overly brutish, but he's intimidating, especially next to the smaller, scholarly Stevenson (Brett is the kind of character who wants to stay safe from too much potential danger, while Steven likes to test the waters, even if they might be shark-infested). The film doesn't necessarily deal with any complex themes beyond the "death for death" issue often at the forefront of debates involving capital punishment (seriously, I can't imagine too many won't realize that minor debate wasn't foreshadowing for future events in the episode), and the narrative regarding "the law twisted to suit those in certain positions of power or understanding of how to use it to their benefit" is used like a blunt instrument to describe Steven. Nothing extraordinary, with Steven a bit too much a prick to feel a thing for him prior to his crime or after it, so his demise doesn't necessarily help to muddy the debate regarding whether someone deserves to die for their actions against someone else (innocent or guilty), which I think was supposed to be the point. I derived most of my enjoyment from nervy nerd Stevenson in the company of Brion James. With Michelle Moffit as a chick Steven picks up at a bar who gives us a little bit of detail regarding the pot farmers, but her role in the overall episode leaves much to be desired. She's hot but that's it.

Good episode of the series that shows reality comes back to haunt!

[blanbrn · 8/10 · 20 September 2007]

This "Hitchhiker" episode titled "Best Shot" stars Ken Olin and Parker Stevenson as two hot shot California lawyers one a defense attorney the other a law professor. One weekend the two decide to venture out along the coast for a joy ride of fun and entertainment with no respect or feeling of law or rules. This little joy ride is recorded on a video camera only this reality adventure show tapes a tragedy as the two by mistake hit a road passenger and take his life. Yet both of these young hot shots are selfish and they continue on the cool journey. Fate and karma later strikes like in so many "Hitchhiker" episodes when the two pull into a rugged and outlaw bar and gas station type. The two cunning and cool lawyers find that the bar isn't all that nice which is ran by outlaws, the only treat is a sexy lady played by Michelle Moffett, she leaves with both only to set the duo up to the brutal fate. In the end as the outlaws find out the truth by the video camera recording it's payback time with their best shot! Remember a picture is worth a thousand words! Overall good episode that shows turn about is fair play with old style testament justice an eye for an eye and tooth for tooth.

Nifty episode on morality and responsibility

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 20 January 2011]

Cocky and obnoxious defense attorney Steve (deliciously played to the hateful arrogant hilt by Ken Olin) and his passive law professor buddy Brett (a fine performance by Parker Stevenson) decide to let it all hang out and indulge in irresponsible behavior while embarking on a cross country joyride. The duo film their smarmy exploits on a portable video camera. After Steve accidentally runs down a man on the side of the road, he does his best to hide what he's done from Brett. However, Steve eventually is forced to face the music when the pair stop off at a remote redneck bar in the middle of nowhere. Director John Laing and writer John Harrison expertly craft a tight, absorbing, and provocative tale about justice, morality, responsibility, and on how the more one tries to avoid the severe consequences of one's dire actions the more harsh and damaging said consequences will be when they finally catch up with you (Ken's brutal ultimate comeuppance is genuinely chilling, but entirely fitting at the same time). Olin and Stevenson do sterling work in the lead roles, veteran villainous character actor Brion James does well in one of his trademark mean'n'meaning hillbilly parts as the intimidating Lionel, and the fetching Michelle Moffett likewise impresses as enticing barroom pick-up Lorri Ann. Kudos are also in order for Thomas Burstyn's slick and lively cinematography and the funky syncopated score by Shuki Levy and Haim Saban. Flavorsome backwoods atmosphere, too. An excellent episode.