Directed by Martin von Haselberg — the husband of Bette Midler — and written by Scott Nimerfro, “The Assassin” has housewife Janet McKay (Shelley Hack) fighting Simone Bardou (Chelsea Field) and her henchmen Todd (Corey Feldman) and William (Jonathan Banks), who are looking for a missing agent named Ronald Wald.

This episode starts with the Crypt Keeper talking to the Grim Reaper, who is William Sadler, just like in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Sadler is also in Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight). A lot of this dialogue would be recycled in the beginning of Tales from the Crypt: Bordello of Blood with Sadler dressed as a mummy.

Grim Reaper: So, then I was over in India you know, and I whipped up this little monsoon. Man, I must have reaped hundreds that day. Hundreds, just like that.

Crypt Keeper: Really?

Grim Reaper: Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Of course, I normally prefer to take souls one at a time, one at a time, but, you know, I had taken some vacation days and it was the end of the month, and so, you know how it goes. Oh! By the way, did I mention that I was in Europe? There was an Elvis sighting there, so I figured I’d check it out. But it was just a fat guy in a sequin suit. I took him anyway.

Crypt Keeper: Oh really? That’s very interesting.

Grim Reaper: Yes, I thought so, too. But enough about me. I want to tell you why I am here.

Crypt Keeper: More champagne?

Grim Reaper: Why, sure. Thanks. Who are you saving the good stuff for? You know, you and I have been friends for a long time, and much as I enjoy these little visits, it seems to me that this tomb is not quite big enough for the both of us.

Crypt Keeper: What’s that supposed to mean?

Grim Reaper: I want to propose a contest between you and me. Winner take all.

Crypt Keeper: And the loser? You’re on pal! 1…2…

Grim Reaper: My rock beats your scissors!

Crypt Keeper: Damn!

Grim Reaper: Give me your hand.

Crypt Keeper: Well, kiddies, looks like your pal the Crypt Keeper is in the fright of his life…death…which is kind of like the woman in tonight’s terror tale. It’s a nasty little chopping spree I call…”The Assassin.” That didn’t hurt one bit.

Grim Reaper: Second round?

Crypt Keeper: Go for it.

The agents plan to kill Janet even if she isn’t connected to spying, but it seems like she’s a bit more dangerous than she seems.

This is based on “The Assassin,” which is in Shock SuspenStories #17. It was written by William Gaines and Al Feldstein and drawn by George Evers. That story isn’t like this at all, but you may have come to expect this from this series.