This story has me torn. Perhaps the shocker is that I actually found the Carol Lynley story the best. (NO!? Yes. For those who might have read my previous F. I. reviews, goodness knows I can't stand the woman!) Yet, she pulled her own here. Her acting was convincing, especially at the end of her fantasy, and I'm shocked that I liked her in anything for the first time ever. She played the part of the wife well, without much of her customary "deer in the headlights" look on her face couple with her annoying whining, which is the way she's played her every guest starring part, from Mannix and beyond.
There was quite a bit of Mr. Roarke also in this episode, especially as support in the Carol Lynley story. I do like Gary Collins and I was delighted that, after the initial showdown with Roarke at the cocktails intro party, he wasn't what their ominous looks foretold. Good. I liked this story, because what it lacked in costumes, it had in character moral dilemma. Pretty good story, and well written.
The other story has me a bit disappointed. I saw Stephen Shortridge's name and I was super delighted. But, to borrow another reviewer's accurate word, he and this whole story underwhelmed me. I normally like Jenilee Harisson but she was a bit annoying here, sorry to say. (Did Freaky Friday happen here between her and Lynley, in that they traded personalities at the dock? Hmm....) Anyway, this story seemingly had it all: gorgeous period costumes (even on Mr. Roarke!), a Natchez steamboat, the noble story of delivering the oppressed slave, the recently passed Adam Rich (RIP) oh and even what's his face? Roddy McDowell, whom I can't stand for sticks, even he behaved himself this time and didn't seek to upstage everyone like he did on Fantastic Journey (and the reason why Fran Drescher said she passed on him for Niles the butler part in The Nanny; true story, look it up: she's on video saying so!)
Anyway, I have no idea if it was the filming, the writing or the editing (perhaps the directing?) but this story felt heavy and was slow moving, where the topic (plus the actors!!) is such that it ought to have been the most fun and fast paced story. But nope. It was boring. Stephen Shortridge appeared to be "phoning it in", like they say. (Goodness knows, I wanted to like him in this, as I usually do.) Come to think of it, the previous episode where I seen him, was hella weird, but his acting was good, it was just a bizzarro script!
All in all, I am overrating this, because the Gary Collins/Carol Lynley was that good. (Except for the husband, wasn't he the lead in The Virginian?) Well anyway, I had high expectations for the Natchez story that weren't met, and I did go to Tubi while it played on TV, for the missed scenes. It could be that I should have watched it only on Tubi, or that I should have written my review weeks ago, when I did watch it. I remember a waltz between Roarke and Jenilee, and that was visually appealing in those costumes. (And no bizarre camera filming from above their heads, this time!)
It's probably a 7/10. Highlights of the show is probably the Roarke in period costume waltzing with gorgeously costumed Jenilee.
Pity the Black actor didn't have much to do and my usually favorite actors were a bit the let down here, but, again, Roddy behaved himself and is subdued acting ended up being a winner. Weird that I enjoyed my most disliked actors ever and didn't care much for the ones I usually prefer. Was this filmed in the Twilight Zone? Hmm... crossover, yeah! Sorry wish I could give it a better review but there's a 9/10 to make up for it!
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