Ironside (TV Series) Riddle at 24,000 (1974) User Reviews

So good it feels like a pilot or at the least adding Desi Arnez to regular cast

[TopekaBob · 10/10 · 21 April 2022]

Desi Arnez guest stars in this Ironside as a mystery-solving Doctor and has such great chemistry that as the other reviewer noted, he easily could have been added to the cast. Or, he could have been featured in a spin-off series or at least some TV movies. Clearly everybody involved in this show was so pleased to have Arnez star that they upped their game - the direction is excellent, writing sharp, and lots of nice beach location scenes. Even the over-the-top acting by the other actors - especially Patricia Smith and Ralph Meeker - is fun!

Ironside did not do comedy episodes, but this comes closest, and it works. Seeing the legendary Desi Arnez with Raymond Burr for 45 minutes is just a treat.

The one really oddball thing about this admittedly very different Ironside is the bald-headed son. Just plain weird!

Ralph Meeker - Classic actor who starred in film noir movies and Alfred Hitchcock episodes.

The Ironside/Star Trek link is served by Patricia Smith, who appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Dr. Domingo was a hit but why was not used as a regular character?

[flowerpowerdr · 10/10 · 3 October 2021]

It escapes me why Dr. Domingo was not used a regular after this episode. Desi Arnaz looks more of a doctor at this stage of his life that his Ricky Ricardo role in I love Lucy, may be people could readjust seeing him in this mature role, which by account of his inventions and family history is more likely!

Desi Arnaz is just plain wonderful in this episode

[RogerMooreTheBestBond · 10/10 · 21 August 2023]

I am a huge fan of Desi Arnaz. I always enjoyed his chemistry with William Frawley on I Love Lucy. They were so good together. After watching this episode with Desi Arnaz and Raymond Burr working together, they made me feel the same way. They had great chemistry together. The other 2 reviews also mentioned how good he is on this show. Ironside only lasted 1 more season after this, and it was a shortened season because of the ratings. I agree that it would have been nice to see Desi make another guest shot before the series went off. But this episode alone will give me a lot of fond memories. I believe this episode ranks at the top for the entire series. Overall, Ironside is a very solid show. It had it's weak moments when it got political or tried to make you sympathize with the criminal, but overall most of the episodes are a real treat.