A Ransom in Diamonds
- Episode aired Jan 12, 1978
- 1h
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
71
YOUR RATING
This episode was likely a "backdoor" pilot for a new series that shelved before production.This episode was likely a "backdoor" pilot for a new series that shelved before production.This episode was likely a "backdoor" pilot for a new series that shelved before production.
Sharon Thomas Cain
- Barbara
- (as Sharon Thomas)
Douglas Hume
- Doorman
- (as Doug Hume)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode was a back-door pilot for a spin-off series that was never picked up. They would try another back door pilot (The Killin' Cousin (1980)) in the last ever Barnaby Jones episode.
- GoofsThere are two problems with the ransom drop-off at the bridge. J.R. positions himself on the far side of the bridge in order to keep surveillance of the pick-up. When Stanley drives up to the bridge he throws the package out of the passenger side window where it lands in the bottom, with the bridge between the package and J.R.'s position. When the kidnapper drives up to retrieve the package, he goes past where the package was dropped off, goes under the bridge, and collects the package which is now suddenly on the wrong side of the bridge. (If Stanley had driven toward the bridge from the other direction this problem wouldn't have occurred.)
What's more, when the kidnapper gets the package, the camera's POV (which should be the same as J.R.'s) is now in a radically different position, as if he had moved from his original location. Then the camera shows J.R. still in the same place he had been from the beginning. It's hard to understand how this sequence got so messed up.
Featured review
BARNABY AND THE AMATEURS?
The reason for this special episode is producer Quinn Martin needed another show. THE FBI, STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO and CANNON were all off the air, and it just made sense to promote a new cop show via BARNABY JONES.
The ingredients were there, and with two excellent actors. Felton Perry (known for ROBOCOP and MAGNUM FORCE) plays an attorney called Alexander who teams with his former Vietman partner Sam Weisman to assist new client Mr. Christie (Dennis Patrick) whose wife has been kidnapped. It gets even more complicated with the kidnappers after diamonds. Jewelry and diamonds seemed to be a common denominator in the series.
The guys don't do quite the job they're expected to do, mixing in a little comedy at times -- requring Barnaby and JR to jump in and rescue Mr. Christie's wife --before its too late. Not a bad pilot episode, and with some good action scenes, but it was not picked up by CBS or any other network. BARNABY JONES ratings were modest, so that could have also been a contributing factor. Still interesting to watch, and with two very likable characters. Weisman later turned to directing and is best known for FAMILY TIES.
9 Stars for orginality, and guest star Dennis Patrick.
Series writer Gerald Sanford did the story, later associated with CHIPS. Once again, it proves you can't beat old pro Barnaby who always has some tricks up his own sleeve. Always stick with the man with a plan. SEASON 6 EPISODE 16 remastered.
The ingredients were there, and with two excellent actors. Felton Perry (known for ROBOCOP and MAGNUM FORCE) plays an attorney called Alexander who teams with his former Vietman partner Sam Weisman to assist new client Mr. Christie (Dennis Patrick) whose wife has been kidnapped. It gets even more complicated with the kidnappers after diamonds. Jewelry and diamonds seemed to be a common denominator in the series.
The guys don't do quite the job they're expected to do, mixing in a little comedy at times -- requring Barnaby and JR to jump in and rescue Mr. Christie's wife --before its too late. Not a bad pilot episode, and with some good action scenes, but it was not picked up by CBS or any other network. BARNABY JONES ratings were modest, so that could have also been a contributing factor. Still interesting to watch, and with two very likable characters. Weisman later turned to directing and is best known for FAMILY TIES.
9 Stars for orginality, and guest star Dennis Patrick.
Series writer Gerald Sanford did the story, later associated with CHIPS. Once again, it proves you can't beat old pro Barnaby who always has some tricks up his own sleeve. Always stick with the man with a plan. SEASON 6 EPISODE 16 remastered.
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- tcchelsey
- Mar 21, 2024
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