Norman Lloyd directed nineteen 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, was a producer for most of the series' run and even acted in five episodes (his biggest role being in "Design for Loving"). "Safety of the Witness" is his second directing credit for the series, after "The $2,000,000 Defence". The premise did sound intriguing and potentially very suspenseful if done right. It was very interesting seeing Art Carney in a lead role of this type, with the role in need of intensity and edge.
"Safety of the Witness" however was a major disappointment. Season 4 had a lot of fine episodes, but did have its misfires too and this is one of the biggest ones (along with "Don't Interrupt"). Also one of my least favourites of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' and it is sad that a great lead performance is so let down by almost everything else being so poorly executed. As far as Lloyd's episodes as director go, "Safety of the Witness" is a very strong contender for the worst.
The best thing about it is Carney, who does very well with what he is given, didn't think him dull at all. He does give some subtle intensity while also providing a character that is not too hard to root for initially.
Did think too that the episode looked pretty slick and atmospheric and that the theme music for the series is still suitably macabre. It starts quite well.
A lot of shortcomings can be seen in "Safety of the Witness" however. It runs out of steam very quickly and becomes increasingly sillier and duller. It is a very ploddingly paced episode, directed indifferently, and has a paper thin story that severely lacks suspense. What should have been suspenseful instead comes over as silly, and when there is signs of a story it doesn't make sense. Especially the truly dumb decision making of Carney's character towards the end, in one of the most senseless changes of heart of the series that undoes what happened previously and made the character really stupid.
It is agreed too that the ending is a colossal cheat and one of the series' most unsatisfying, the very equivalent of the it's all a dream type ending when done badly. The twist is not much of one, pretty limp and predictable as well as far fetched and this is another episode that really could have done without Hitchcock's epilogue. Which adds nothing and over explains. Usually really enjoy Hitchcock's bookendings, but the irony here is not that strong and not amusing. The dialogue rambles and Carney's character goes from rootable to truly frustrating when his decision making becomes stupider and more vague.
Overall, very disappointing. 3/10.