Lust, murder, blackmail—and a very dangerous insurance policy. Fred and Tim explore “The Sacrifice,” Season 2, Episode 7 of HBO’s Tales from the Crypt, in Episode 13 of It Hails From the Crypt!

Our deep dive begins with the original EC Comics story from Shock SuspenStories #10 (1953), plotted by William Gaines and Al Feldstein, scripted by Feldstein, and illustrated by Jack Kamen. We examine its twisted crime-comic roots before digging into how the story made the leap from the printed page to HBO.

Then we unpack the television adaptation, directed by Richard Greenberg and written by crime novelist Ross Thomas. Starring Kim Delaney, Kevin Kilner, Michael Ironside, and Don Hood, “The Sacrifice” follows an insurance salesman whose affair with a wealthy client’s wife leads him into murder and blackmail. We explore the performances, suspense, dark humor, and deadly double-crosses—and compare the episode with its original comic counterpart.

Finally, we dig into our Vault of More for deep-cut recommendations connected to the episode: movies, television, comics, and other discoveries to keep you exploring after the Crypt Keeper closes the coffin.

Spoilers for the original comic and television episode.

EPISODE & IMDb LINKS

“The Sacrifice” — Tales from the Crypt, S2E7
Complete cast and crew

CAST

Kim Delaney — Gloria Fielding
Kevin Kilner — James
Michael Ironside — Jerry
Don Hood — Sebastian Fielding
John Kassir — the voice of the Crypt Keeper

BEHIND THE CAMERA

Richard Greenberg — Director
Ross Thomas — Screenplay
John R. Leonetti — Cinematography
Jonathan Elias — Music