In the fourth season of Hitchcock Presents, the show increasingly made use of elaborate set design and took a turn away from the early episodes, which often took place on two or three sets and was centered mostly on dialogue. In a way, Tea Time is more like a season one or two episode in that it could easily be reproduced on stage without losing much, if any of its impact.
The premise centers around a successful middle-aged businessman, Oliver, and his complex romantic affairs. His wife, Iris, receives an invitation for tea from his slightly younger and slightly more attractive mistress, Blanche.
Blanche asks for Iris to consider divorcing Oliver, as their marriage has become dull and she seems to be primarily interested in his finances. Iris flatly refuses and mocks Blanche for her romantic idealism, but the tables quickly turn when Blanche reveals that she has a letter proving that Iris had an affair early in her marriage. Iris comes up with a desperate plan to resolve the conflict and keep her husband.
The dialogue proves to be the thrust of the episode, and both actresses do an excellent job providing interest with very little to work with. The typical Hitchcock themes of divorce, affairs, and murderous intentions are all in place and provide for a nicely executed episode, although it is not exactly enthralling. Nice performances, classic premise, some unexpected turns in the story, and a whole lot of dialogue make this installment a worthwhile addition to season four.