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Storyline
Carl investigates a series of deaths that take place in a community mostly populated by the elderly. The bodies are partially devoured, seemingly by rats, but Kolchak begins to suspect that a more sinister force is at work: a ghastly flesh-eating Hindu demon known as the Rakshasa has set up shop in the area, and it has the ability to take its victims by surprise by appearing to them as the person they trust the most. Written by
acidxian
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Alternate title: "The Rakshasa".
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Goofs
Just after Harry Starman points out the Indian restaurant to Kolchak, Starman pushes off from a park bench which visibly moves, revealing it to be a prop.
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Quotes
Carl Kolchak:
I'm trying to find out about a creature named a raka... rakashusi... rakalaki... rakasomething. I didn't hear it too well.
Lane Merriott:
There are a *plethora* of Indian words beginning with those syllables.
Carl Kolchak:
Well, *this* "rak" takes pleasure in eating human flesh.
Lane Merriott:
[
nervously, as customers look somewhat grossed out at them]
You're talking about the Rakshasa!
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Connections
References
Citizen Kane (1941)
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Other reviewers have given the plot already which is a tad weak in the buildup to Kolchak's confrontation with the monster - it is however a creepy idea - don't trust anyone, especially if they want to hug you.
What puts this episode a little higher is that like a few others it has a number of older professional character actors in it, such as Phil Silvers, Ned Glass, and others. When these people are in an episode it seems to spur the regulars, McGavin, Oakland, etc to up their game as well, and some of the scenes are little gems to watch.
It also is noteworthy for the social commentary it injects - the plight of the elderly poor, decades before that matter really starts to impact on American society.