The Stranger [The Killing Time, 1987]

A man shoots Brian Mars, buries him, and assumes his identity to become a deputy sheriff in a small California town. Haunted by nightmares of finding his father's body hanging as a child, the imposter’s motives remain unclear. Meanwhile, Deputy Sam Wayburn is having an affair with Laura Winslow, whose cruel and wealthy husband, Jake Winslow, abuses her. After one brutal attack leaves Laura beaten and raped, she and Sam plot to kill Jake using "Brian's" unregistered gun to frame him for the murder.

Unbeknownst to them, Brian is aware of their plan. On the night of the planned murder, he sabotages it by disabling Laura's car and tipping off Jake about the conspiracy. He then offers Jake a ride home but reveals his true intentions, blaming Jake for his father's death before shooting him dead.

When Jake’s body is discovered, Sam confidently points to Brian's unregistered gun as the weapon used—but investigators reveal Jake was killed with Sam’s own gun. Confused, Sam confronts Laura, who insists she never got the chance to act because her car was tampered with. Realizing Brian must have committed the crime, Sam goes to confront him. During their encounter, Brian angrily chases Sam through fields, intending to kill him.

Simultaneously, Sheriff Carl Cunningham discovers an all-points bulletin identifying the real Brian Mars's buried body. As Carl arrives at Brian's house to arrest him, he finds Brian moments away from killing Sam. Carl shoots Brian first, saving Sam's life.

Though cleared of involvement in Jake's murder, Sam feels disillusioned with being a cop and resigns from the force. He leaves behind his career but continues his relationship with Laura, seeking a fresh start together.

The Stranger, who assumes Brian Mars’ identity, is driven by unresolved trauma and a thirst for vengeance. Haunted by nightmares of his father’s hanging, he blames Jake Winslow and becomes consumed by retribution.

Coldly calculating, he kills the real Brian Mars and infiltrates a small town as a deputy sheriff, showcasing intelligence and emotional detachment. Beneath this calm exterior lies inner turmoil, hinted at through his anger and paranoia. He uncovers Sam and Laura’s plot to frame him, sabotaging their plan with precision.

His confrontation with Jake reveals raw rage. Believing himself an avenger, he justifies killing Jake as justice, though his actions reflect vengefulness over morality. He shows no remorse, highlighting his emotional isolation.

Ultimately, The Stranger’s tragic obsession with revenge leads to his demise. His journey illustrates how trauma distorts morality, leaving him isolated and self-destructive.