Inept struggling magician Miles Federman (well played to the slimy hilt by Billy Zane) murders rival master magician Kraygen (robustly essayed by Martin Sheen, who has a ball with his ripe Russian accent) in order to steal Kraygen's Box of Death trick and finally achieve the success he's been striving for. However, events from the past come back to haunt Federman on the night he premieres his new act. Director Elliot Silverstein, working from a compact script by Andrew Kevin Walker, relates the entertaining story at a snappy pace and offers a flavorsome evocation of the early 20th century period setting. Sheen really hams it up with lip-smacking brio in no less than three colorful roles; his gleeful scenery-chewing gives this episode an extra nifty buzz. The lovely Maryam D'Abo is likewise in fine snippy form as Federman's fed-up assistant Greta Krueutzel while fetching identical twin siblings Candi and Randi Borough are both sexy and funny as Greta's bimbo replacements. The ending delivers a pretty cool surprise twist as well as a decent smattering of blood. John R. Leonetti's crisp cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. Walter Werzowa's lively score hits the stirring spot. A worthwhile show.
Review of Well Cooked Hams
