Series director George McCowan returned, so you know this was going to be good. As the series entered Season Two and was steadily climbing in the Neilsen ratings, more popular guest stars were added and the budget obviously expanded. It paid dividends. Here, Jessica Walter makes a guest appearance, fresh from PLAY MISTY FOR ME opposite Clint Eastwood, possibly her most recognized role. She is also the one in trouble and marked for death.
Burly Robert Webber (who appeared four times on the show) plays the masterful villain, and the one to watch. He shares some dynamic scenes with William Conrad, and may have worked with him when he was also directing episodes for NAKED CITY, shot in New York for Columbia Pictures. Webber was one of the most popular actors on tv for years, also appearing several times on IRONSIDE.
Dick Nelson (who later wrote for DYNASTY and FALCON CREST) is credited for this adventure, and writing some good material for Jessica Walter. She plays an attorney, representing two thieves accused of robbing a charity, and doing a lousy job of it. The trick here is that Webber (as Spencer) actually played a game on them so to cover his own nefarious deeds.
Nelson's fine writing, in turn, has Cannon faking out Spencer, giving him enough rope to hang himself in the tradition of COLUMBO. The old fake-out routine, or pulling the rug out from the baddies, was also well used on BARNABY JONES.
Also watch for two familiar actors, Stacy Harris (a regular on DRAGNET), playing the district attorney and Biff Elliott, a two fisted guy in many cop shows. Keeping up with MANNIX, and proving critics wrong, Bill Conrad does his own stunts here, and quite well.
He did have a stunt double who looked very much like him, and sometimes you can spot the guy in bit parts, watch carefully.
Famous announcer Clete Roberts plays a newscaster.
Top writing and cast. 10 Stars. SEASON 2 Episode 4 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set number 1 of 2. 2009 release.