This episode really sticks out in my mind as one of the finest and best from tales. It's really well done as far as the story and the acting is top notch, and it's special because it's from season one and one of the first episodes to air. The viewer really feels the shocking twist at the end. "The Man Who Was Death" stars William Sadler as Niles Talbot a man who's a executioner for the local state prison and he's tough and dedicated and very good at his job with cockiness and eagerness. Then one day the state legislature decides to revoke the death penalty, and poor Niles is out of a job and in the unemployment line. Never fear though, this man is to eager and determined to work as his work nature is just fine, and as he will find out a little to good in the end! Niles is just a plain country boy who moved to the city and was great at his job of state executioner and his plan is to uphold his own style of justice and punish criminals who are getting away just fine and free. So one by one criminals who are set free by the courts receive their own juice from Niles as he does it his own rebel way with vigilantism style of justice! As with all or most of the crypt episodes fate is often cruel, as when Niles is caught doing his new little hobby the state votes to return the death penalty. Now talk about a shocking twist, now Niles can pay his own juice bill! Overall great episode certainly one of my all time crypt picks not just because of the twist but the acting and narrating of William Sadler is top notch the story is told from his character's point of view a good study of a complex and interesting man. Plus the death penalty theme was well shown which is still a hot button topic in society.