The Evil Three — Epilogue
by Tom Nichol

Based on the episode of the same name from the
Adventures of Superman (1951)

[Author’s note: It should be remembered that, at the time this episode was filmed, hotel reservation systems and networks did not yet exist, and would not for some years to come. Also, the criminal penalties for kidnapping, murder, and attempted murder were much stiffer than they are now, a fact which is reflected in the outcome of this episode. Finally, the reader should understand that, during the first and second seasons of this series, the producers chose to adopt the somewhat darker overall tone of the original radio programs.]

A week had passed since Jimmy Olson and Perry White of the Metropolis Daily Planet had returned from what had been intended to be a peaceful, relaxing fishing trip in southern Louisiana. That trip, however, had turned out to be a near-fatal disaster for both men, which only Superman’s timely intervention had kept from resulting in the death of both men.

Perry and Jimmy were now discussing their horrifying adventure with Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Inspector William Henderson, of the Metropolis Police Department, in Perry’s private office. The two near-victims had both given complete statements to the Louisiana State Police about their ordeal, and Henderson, as he often did in such matters, had volunteered to act as a liaison in the event that any follow-up was needed.

As she listened to her two colleagues’ account of their horrifying ordeal, Lois Lane shook her head sadly. “All I can say, Chief,” she commented, “is thank God that Superman got there in time!”

“AMEN!!” Perry and Jimmy both replied. Perry went on to add, “I really should have called ahead to make proper reservations before we arrived at the hotel. By not doing so, however, I put myself and poor Jimmy here in unjustifiable danger—and for that, Jimmy, I need to apologize to you!” The older journalist shook his own head in shame and regret. “I should have known better!” he murmured.

For his part, Jimmy leaned forward and put a comforting hand on his employer’s shoulder, giving it one of those gentle squeezes that can say far more than any words. “Please don’t be too hard on yourself, Mr. White,” the young redhead said quietly. “You had no way of knowing that things would turn out the way they did! At least we’re both alive and back home, safe and sound!” The others in the room all smiled quietly, deeply touched by Jimmy’s sincere compassion.

Then Clark spoke up: “Has there been any word as to what’s going to those three—Macy, Brand, and poor Elsa?”

“I just got through talking to the Louisiana State Police before I came here,” Inspector Henderson replied. “They told me that Macy Taylor and Colonel Brand will both be tried for murder, kidnapping, and attempted murder. Given what they did to Macy’s uncle, and what they did to the two of you, gentlemen, they’ve assured me that those two goons are headed straight for the electric chair!”

“And Elsa?” Lois interjected. “What about her? She didn’t have anything to do with Mr. Taylor’s murder, did she?”

“No, she didn’t,” Henderson responded, “based upon what the Louisiana authorities have been able to find out. In any event, however, it has been determined that she is incompetent to stand trial or to testify against Taylor or Brand. As a result, in all probability, she’ll spend the rest of her life in the State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Given her age, though, as well as the abuse she suffered at the hands of Taylor and Brand, she may not survive for very long!”

The others in the room all shook their heads sadly, then began discussing how to compose and publish a suitable account of what Perry and Jimmy had gone through.

Less than six months later, Macy Taylor and Colonel Brand were both tried and convicted on charges of murder, kidnapping, and attempted murder. The presiding judge, in extremely harsh language, sentenced both men to death in the electric chair. Just over a year later, both men were executed after their appeals had been exhausted.

For her part, poor Elsa, just as Henderson had anticipated, was ordered to be confined at the State Hospital For The Criminally Insane. She died there, in her sleep, less than a year later. The hotel, which had been the scene of the events that had led to this sad ending, was declared unfit for human habitation, and was demolished. The property was later sold by court order, and the money which had been the focal point of the events in question, was confiscated by the State of Louisiana, thereby officially bringing the affair of “The Evil Three” to a close.

Posted: June 21, 2024
Jim