While 'Kill Two Birds' is widely regarded as the most richly-budgeted Thriller episode, it ranks somewhat below the impressive standards set in series three and while reasonably gripping, suffers from some flat performances from the female leads.
David Daker plays the part of Charlie Draper, a released convict who calls to a friend, Busby only to discover him dead. A trio of unsavory crooks await, led by the refined but sadistic Gadder (Dudley Sutton excels), who are intent on determining the location of monies stolen by Daker some ten years ago. After a struggle Daker escapes and makes his way to the house of an alcoholic struck-off doctor named Kemp with whom he is acquainted. After a quick consultation Daker leaves only for the unfortunate Kemp to be visited by Gadder and his sidekicks, Tosher and Freddie.
Running parallel with is the storyline featuring two most attractive American ladies - Tracy (Gabrielle Drake, sister of the late, lamented Nick) and Sally (Susan Hampshire) whose car breaks down after they dine in a ramshackle snack bar run by Bob Hoskins whom we discover is Charlie's brother, Sammy. Enter Granville Saxton as Farrow, a down and out hippy, and the two plot lines begin to converge.
Gadder and his henchmen are waiting for Charlie to show up and decide that Sammy's premises is where he will come to. Sally and Tracy unwittingly get dragged when they return to the snack bar seeking assistance for their breakdown. Gadder has taken Sammy's wife Carrie hostage at gunpoint and the scene is set for a dramatic and unpleasant ordeal.
The pace is exciting but the female leads are somewhat disappointing and do not add much value to the story. The conclusion is neatly wrapped up with some emotion and a little irony.
Overall - one of the final series' better episodes and well worth a look.