The Lost Hitchhiker: Nicholas Campbell, the Landers Twins, and a Forgotten Gem from 1983
Disclaimer: All still frames shown below are from the 1983 episode “Split Decision” of the HBO anthology series The Hitchhiker. These images are presented here under the Fair Use provision of U.S. copyright law, for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. No ownership of the original content is implied. All rights remain with the original copyright holders.
Before Page Fletcher became the familiar face of HBO’s The Hitchhiker, introducing twisted tales from the dark side of human nature with his gravelly voice and rugged good looks, there was Nicholas Campbell — the original, rarely-seen “Hitchhiker” who appeared only in the series’ earliest episodes.
Nicholas Campbell introduces the episode as the original Hitchhiker.
One of those long-buried gems is “Split Decision” (1983), a delightfully wicked little morality tale that stands out not just for its rarity, but for its cast — including big sister and little sister Audrey and Judy Landers, icons of ’80s television glamour.
Fair Use Notice: The brief video clips shown in this post (each under 10 seconds) are presented solely for the purpose of commentary and critical discussion related to the 1983 episode “Split Decision” from HBO’s The Hitchhiker. These clips are used under the Fair Use provisions of Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. No copyright infringement is intended, and no ownership is claimed. All rights remain with the original copyright holders.
In the short clip here and in the one below, the 2 lovely sisters show their charm and playful nature, which makes the episode really ironic and helps give it a dark touch of humor.
I think most people would agree that this real estate agent bit off more than he could chew when he met these 2 gorgeous sisters ! Just look at them ! He should have known that this situation was too good to be true !
I recently stumbled upon a version of the episode “Split Decision” on a site which archives movies, TV series, documents, etc. and that actually features Nicholas Campbell in the opening and closing segments — something almost no one gets to see anymore. This version predates the Page Fletcher re-shoots, and it’s a striking contrast.
This is a rare find, and I feel very lucky to have found it !
Two Hitchhikers, Two Vibes
Where Page Fletcher brought an ominous, almost supernatural quality to the role — a slow but steady walk, brooding stares, whispered menace — Campbell came across more like a drifter philosopher. His delivery is lighter, less haunted. There’s a smirk in his voice, a glimmer in his eye, like he knows the joke before the punchline.
It’s a fascinating difference: Fletcher feels like he belongs to the twilight realm of punishment and consequence. Campbell feels like he’s just passing through… enjoying the show.
Double Trouble: Audrey and Judy Landers
Of course, “Split Decision” is just as notable for featuring the Landers sisters, both at the peak of their beauty and TV stardom at this time (1983).
Blonde, bubbly, and always camera-ready, these real-life sisters were the queens of late ’70s and early ’80s network television.
Audrey Landers (the older sister) :
Played Afton Cooper on Dallas (1981–84)
Appeared on Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and even had a musical career
Known for combining sex appeal with unexpected smarts
Here in the image above, Audrey is seducing the lucky (and unlucky) real estate agent as he shows her a potential new home. He was like a lamb being led to slaughter !
Judy Landers (the younger sister) :
Guest-starred on BJ and the Bear, Knight Rider, and was the space-damsel Alicia in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Also turned up on The Dukes of Hazzard and Vega$
Brought a ditzy charm with a clever glint that made her performances memorable
In the image below, Judy also seduces the hapless real estate agent. He never had chance, poor guy ! Little did he know what was in store for him…
Together in “Split Decision”, the ladies play sisters — naturally — who become the focus of a love triangle that veers straight into darkly ironic territory. And they’re not just eye candy here. They’re the central moral engines of the episode… whether they know it or not.
A Joke with Fangs
Without spoiling too much, Split Decision ends with one of the darkest little twists in the series — and that’s saying something. A cocky ladies’ man thinks he’s scored big by juggling two beautiful blondes… but the final scene delivers a shock that’s both satisfying and macabre.
It’s the kind of ending that The Hitchhiker excelled at: poetic justice delivered with a smirk. The kind of punchline that Campbell’s original version leans into just a bit more playfully than Fletcher ever would.
Above, Judy makes a sandwich while talking to the real estate agent. She does so in a very relaxed manner which contrasts with what will take place very soon afterwards…
A Rarity Worth Discussing
Episodes like Split Decision remind us why anthology series from the ’80s still hold such power. They blended sex, suspense, and dark humor in ways that network TV never dared. Finding a copy with Nicholas Campbell intact — and with the Landers sisters in all their matching, vengeful glory — is like discovering a piece of TV archaeology.
If you’re a fan of vintage thrillers, forgotten pilots, or just have fond memories of Audrey and Judy on Saturday-night reruns, this episode is worth hunting down. Just don’t expect to come away clean — The Hitchhiker always makes sure someone gets what’s coming to them.
Have you ever seen a Nicholas Campbell version of The Hitchhiker? Or do you remember the Landers twins lighting up your screen?
Just remember when you’re driving… keep one eye on the road. You never know who you might pick up.
NOTE – Curated by a fan of cult television and vintage anthology series. Images are watermarked for attribution and archival documentation.
Fair Use Notice: The brief video clips shown in this post (each under 10 seconds) are presented solely for the purpose of commentary and critical discussion related to the 1983 episode “Split Decision” from HBO’s The Hitchhiker. These clips are used under the Fair Use provisions of Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. No copyright infringement is intended, and no ownership is claimed. All rights remain with the original copyright holders.
