Elroy Schwartz wrote this episode, no stranger to sitcoms and kids, like the BRADY BUNCH, so it's no surprise the center of attention is a little girl (played by Dawn Lyn).
Not a comedy however, fairly adventurous, all about Harry helping Shelly (Lyn) who needs a kidney transplant. It gets complicated. Harry and Shelly's elusive father, Yorkfield (Kenneth Mars) go way back, in fact Harry was trailing the guy when he was a cop back in the day. Two things; he shares the same blood type as his daughter, so he can save her life AND the mob is looking for this joker.
Harry re-opens an old case and again tries to track down Yorkfield, this time with the help of his wife (played by Joan Darling), who wasn't cooperative the first time around. Yes, they manage to find him -- you knew that would happen -- but now the mob is after Harry. In a way, we knew that would happen too, right?
Have to love this awkward yet complex case for Harry to solve, again proving everything unpleasant falls in his lap. The theme of the show.
Good supporting cast with Dawn Lyn from MY THREE SONS, also comedian and voice actor Kenneth Mars in a very dramatic role.
Joan Darling perhaps best known for OWEN MARSHALL. Look for funny lady Florence Stanley, playing Edith. Famous as Bernice on FISH.
Granville Van Dusen plays Fred. If you're a soaper, he appeared on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.
Directed by Richard Lang, known for KUNG FU, later director for 90210 and MELROSE PLACE. This episode shows off his talents, what expert directing and craftsmanship is all about.
Tag this a Harry O emotional classic.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 5 remastered Warner Brothers dvd box set. The WB box sets (Season 1 and 2) are beautifully done but can be pricey.