A good episode, heavy on the drama. It's always interesting to see an actor well known for a particular regular role on one TV series, playing against what could be seen as his established type of character.
In this episode, guest actor Mark Miller plays the part of a convicted criminal out on parole. His character is filled with paranoia and a massive want to be left alone. Miller previously starred in a sitcom, "Please Don't Eat The Daisies". He played a typical 1960s happy-go-lucky, suburban TV Dad. So his portrayal here of an ex-con recluse who quickly slides into a completely unhinged madness is surprising and intensely interesting to watch. (Previous to "Daisies", Miller had guest starred on an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show". There, he played a State Police Officer who was out to steal Barney Fife's job of Mayberry Deputy. Well, that's what Barney thought anyway. Great episode. "Who's been messin' up the bulletin board?!")
Malloy & Reed also attend to a pretty waitress who is a neighbor to the paranoid ex-jailbird. She has attempted suicide twice (though seemingly purposely unsuccessfully) because she's in love with the con, but he wants nothing to do with her. Martin Milner is especially good as his Officer Malloy has real concern for the young woman.
There's also an entertaining segment in which Adam-12 rolls past a car with bad damage around it's driver-side back tire. The male owner of the car, changing the flat tire, is all smiles and sweetness when M & R ask if he requires any aid. The guy gives them a cherry wave of "thanks but no", and bids them a lovely remainder of the day. Turns out, neither Malloy nor Reed's Spidey-Sense was tingling properly in that moment. The guy is later wanted for armed robbery with witnesses able only to identify the smashed-up car.
Some fine acting in this one from the regulars and the guest cast. Strong writing and directing make this a very good episode of Adam-12.
In this episode, guest actor Mark Miller plays the part of a convicted criminal out on parole. His character is filled with paranoia and a massive want to be left alone. Miller previously starred in a sitcom, "Please Don't Eat The Daisies". He played a typical 1960s happy-go-lucky, suburban TV Dad. So his portrayal here of an ex-con recluse who quickly slides into a completely unhinged madness is surprising and intensely interesting to watch. (Previous to "Daisies", Miller had guest starred on an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show". There, he played a State Police Officer who was out to steal Barney Fife's job of Mayberry Deputy. Well, that's what Barney thought anyway. Great episode. "Who's been messin' up the bulletin board?!")
Malloy & Reed also attend to a pretty waitress who is a neighbor to the paranoid ex-jailbird. She has attempted suicide twice (though seemingly purposely unsuccessfully) because she's in love with the con, but he wants nothing to do with her. Martin Milner is especially good as his Officer Malloy has real concern for the young woman.
There's also an entertaining segment in which Adam-12 rolls past a car with bad damage around it's driver-side back tire. The male owner of the car, changing the flat tire, is all smiles and sweetness when M & R ask if he requires any aid. The guy gives them a cherry wave of "thanks but no", and bids them a lovely remainder of the day. Turns out, neither Malloy nor Reed's Spidey-Sense was tingling properly in that moment. The guy is later wanted for armed robbery with witnesses able only to identify the smashed-up car.
Some fine acting in this one from the regulars and the guest cast. Strong writing and directing make this a very good episode of Adam-12.
