Forbidden City

Farrah Fawcett's last appearance (as Sue), and we all hated to see her go. Writer Robert C. Dennis tossed in a few fun bits; She's hanging outside Harry's bathroom while he's taking a shower? Amazing Sue was talking to him after the last episode, remember? Next, he's on the phone, she's drying his hair and playing games... and who knows what happens when he hangs up!

Getting down to business, Harry has his work cut out for him. His friend, a detective, is killed while working on a case with international ties. The opening scene with an eerie squad of bikers may have been borrowed from a similar episode of MANNIX; these guys mean business, and in the middle of the night.

Darn good noir-ish adventure, partly filmed in LA's Chinatown district, dealing with an art smuggling operation out of Vietnam. Harry encounters a young lady named Lisa (Tina Chen) who had originally hired Harry's dead friend. Herb Voland plays the military sergeant behind the smuggling, and more sinister folks to follow.

Tina Chen, known for THE HAWAIIANS, has a particularly good role. Also Voland (often seen on BEWITCHED). In fact it was roles like this that got him cast on MASH. Ramon Bieri plays Sam and movie buffs will appreciate seeing Benson Fong (a little older here), famous for playing son Tommy Chan in the CHARLIE CHAN mysteries from the 40s.

This episode shows the craftsmanship of director Richard Lang, especially on location. And what better teaming is there with writer Robert C. Dennis.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 18 remastered Warner Brothers dvd box set. The blue and green boxes now collectors items. Thanks METV for bringing back this classic show after many decades in retirement.