Never Wave Goodbye: Part 2

This is the second episode in a two-part story. When the last episode ended, Gerard almost catches Kimble (David Janssen) and Kimble makes his escape. His girlfriend, Karen (Susan Oliver) now knows that the man she loves is running from the law and he explains the entire story of his life to her. Despite this, she is determined to stick with him--even if it means leaving her life and spending life on the run with him.

The pair come up with a plan to make their escape since they know that Gerard (Barry Morse) is in the area and looking for Kimble. During a local sailboat race, they veer off into a cloud bank and disappear. But, as usual, Gerard is close behind and gives chase. And during that chase, Gerard proves he's nuts...and nearly dies in the process.

This is a good, fitting finale for the story. Of course, you know by the very end that regardless, Kimble WILL be on his own again, wandering the country. But how they got there was interesting and the show well written. Well worth seeing.

Kimble and Karen forge a stronger romantic relationship. Unfortunately, a blunder by Kimble in Los Angeles causes Lieutenant Gerard to investigate sailmakers.

Despite Karen's pleas, Eric fails to heed the instructions of Lars to drop his opposition to Kimble.

When Gerard shows up, Kimble and Karen make a plan to get away by boat to start a new life together, under circumstances that will make it appear that both died in rough seas. Eric is horrified when he learns that his comments to Gerard, intended only to hurt Kimble, might get Karen sent to prison. The reckless pursuit of Kimble by Gerard poses danger to all of them.

Ultimately, Kimble's good character, the stormy seas, and the pursuit by Gerard place in jeopardy his plans for a happy life with Karen.

When watching this two-part episode, it is hard to believe we are only one month into the series run. The script, acting, location shooting, and action are reflective of a series that had been on for a long time and was well versed in what they were doing. The two main characters have already established a pattern of a decent man on the run and a police officer committed to the law. Kimble saves Gerard here for the first time, but it won't be the last. Susan Oliver is great and must be added to the list of women characters who should have been considered for the series finale in four years. She joins Suzanne Pleshette, Vera Miles, and Janice Rule. I'm sure we will be able to add many more to this list. Robert Duvall looks young and thin. The climax is well done under difficult conditions. Watching this episode would convert many people into dedicated viewers. A must see outing.

This 2-part episode ranks among the BEST of the series. The chemistry between Karen and Kimble carried throughout the story. I always maintained that they should have brought back Susan Oliver for the finale. Other female leads could have also appeared but Oliver brought a certain magic to their relationship.