10 Stars Plus. OUTSTANDING.
Chester Krumholz wrote this absolutely spellbinding story. It may have been written, in part, due to the positive reviews last season when Joe was accidentally blinded. This time, Mannix is poisoned and an antidote is needed ASAP. Krumholz would soon be associated with POLICE SURGEON.
Popular actress Patricia Stich (as Holly) hires Joe to find her missing brother, a college student, the hunt leading to Hugh Beaumont's ( LEAVE IT TO BEAVER) multi million dollar company. Beaumont effectively plays Mr. Hammond who wants to know what sort of sordid stuff is going on behind closed doors at his business. The result: someone wants Joe DEAD immediately. This was similar in concept to the cult film noir DOA (1949). Beaumont was a favorite of the producers, and as I said, had he not retired, he would have returned to the show many more times.
This is as suspenseful as it gets, and one of the very best episodes of the first four seasons. NO ONE is to be trusted here, even good guy Mr. Hammond -- who looks a bit suspicious himself, at least surprised at the way Mannix is deteriorating.
The makeup in this episode is exceptional, thanks to series artist Jack Obringer who outdid himself. Jack did the makeup for 193 episodes. This story also shows was a terrific actor Mike Connors was in a truly sympathetic role. You really beieve he is dying.
Look for Robert Ito (QUINCY) playing Dr. Yoshro who can't figure this one out. That's scary. Series director Sutton Roley, who headed 16 episodes,
brings out the best of the cast here, and some truly bizarre TWILIGHT ZONE-like situations and scenes. Roley also directed for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.
Evereything clicks. Should have been Emmy nominated for best actor, writing and direction. Hands down.
Recommened by all us kids who grew up on Joe Mannix. Remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set from SEASON 4. 1970.