Kolchak: The Night Stalker season 1 episode 5 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

After horrifying mutilations in Yellowstone County are blamed on nonexistent wolves, Kolchak uncovers a series of similarly bizarre deaths aboard the cruise ship Hanover. Despite a festive atmosphere, the ship harbors a dark secret: a NATO soldier, possibly turned werewolf, linked to previous attacks in Greenland. Captain Wells dismisses Kolchak's findings, attributing the disturbances to a psychotic stowaway. A climactic encounter reveals the beast, but the truth is suppressed, leaving only Kolchak and the listener privy to the real horror of the Hanover's last voyage.

Full Episode S01E05 Recap

### The Unsettling Tale of the Hanover #### Introduction - **Kolchak** narrates a bizarre and unsettling story, urging those averse to being unsettled to dismiss it as insane, despite its basis in fact. #### The Gruesome Discovery in Yellowstone County - In **Yellowstone County, Montana**, authorities find the **Rockwell family** murdered and mutilated on their farm, with wolves blamed despite their last sighting in 1948 and no history of such attacks in America. #### A Christmas Party at the Office - At the **Chicago office**, an Asian flu-depleted staff holds a Christmas party, spearheaded by **Edith Cowles**. **Tony Vincenzo** prepares for a vacation on the cruise ship **Hanover**, financed as a feature story. #### The Assignment - **Kolchak**, despite seeking to avoid work, is roped into replacing Tony to cover the Hanover's last voyage, focusing on the singles cruise's dynamics. #### The Hanover and Its Passengers - The **Hanover**, a luxurious yet outdated ship, sets sail with **Kolchak** aboard. He meets **Mel Tarter**, a fellow passenger, and learns about the ship's diverse occupants, including recently divorced and widowed individuals seeking companionship. #### Mysterious Deaths and Disturbances - **Kolchak** encounters a series of mysterious deaths and disturbances aboard the Hanover, including attacks attributed to an unseen beast, missing persons, and a secretive crew. #### The Captain's Denial - **Captain Wells** dismisses Kolchak's inquiries, attributing the disturbances to a psychotic stowaway and enforcing strict orders to maintain order and secrecy aboard the ship. #### The Uncovered Truth - **Kolchak** learns of a NATO soldier, **Bernhardt Stieglitz**, possibly linked to the attacks, with a history of encounters in **Greenland** and **Yellowstone**, suggesting a supernatural cause. #### The Climactic Encounter - In a climactic encounter, Kolchak faces the beast, revealed to be Stieglitz transformed into a werewolf. Despite a desperate fight, the creature escapes, leaving its fate and the truth shrouded in secrecy. #### Conclusion - **Kolchak** reflects on the cover-up by the shipping line and NATO, with all evidence and acknowledgment of the events suppressed, leaving only Kolchak and the listener aware of the horrifying truth behind the Hanover's last voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main premise of Kolchak's story?

A series of bizarre and gruesome deaths aboard the cruise ship Hanover, suggesting a supernatural cause.

How are the Rockwell family's deaths explained?

They were found mutilated on their farm, with an official report blaming wolves, despite such attacks being unprecedented in America.

Who is Tony Vincenzo, and what was his plan?

Tony Vincenzo is Kolchak's boss, planning a vacation aboard the Hanover that is interrupted for a work assignment.

What is the Hanover, and why is it significant?

The Hanover is an outdated luxury cruise ship on its last voyage, carrying passengers on a singles cruise.

Who are some of the notable passengers Kolchak meets?

Mel Tarter, a fellow passenger, among others looking for companionship or adventure on the cruise.

What disturbances occur aboard the Hanover?

Mysterious deaths, attacks by an unseen beast, and missing persons plague the ship.

How does Captain Wells respond to Kolchak's inquiries?

He dismisses them, attributing the incidents to a psychotic stowaway and enforcing strict orders to maintain secrecy.

Who is Bernhardt Stieglitz, and what is his connection to the events?

A NATO soldier with a history of similar encounters, suggesting he may be transforming into a werewolf responsible for the attacks.

How does the story conclude?

With a cover-up by the shipping line and NATO, denying the supernatural events and leaving only Kolchak and the listener aware of the truth.

Is there any evidence left of the werewolf's existence?

All evidence is suppressed or destroyed, with any attempt to publish the story met with legal threats, leaving the werewolf's fate a mystery.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker season 1 episode 5

The Werewolf