Warner Brothers brought Les Lannon back as goofy nice guy Lester Hodges (who all us kids loved), in order to boost ratings. That said, it was Farrah Fawcett the audience likely tuned into see, and why her roles got larger. We also loved her too. The second season was more fun due to these cast changes, and this is one cool episode.
Sweet stewardess Sue returns back to the beach, unknown to her, smugglers stuffed diamonds in a bottle of perfume in her suitcase. Similar gimmick in an episode of BARNABY JONES, where smugglers hid drugs in a stewardess' suitcase, though with fatal results. Fortunately, Sue is not killed, however, when the crooks can't find the rocks, they kidnap her. Harry comes to the rescue of his good neighbor and gal pal.
On the wacky side, he's joined by Lester, introducing some wild James Bond inventions which "may" help Harry in tracking down both Sue and the goons. True, a LONG shot, and there's an abundance of poetic license in this one. We kids saw that a mile away, but just roll with the punches. More over, written by Hitchcock's number one tv writer, Robert C. Dennis. A diamond in the rough.
***All these years I've often wondered if Dennis wasn't inspired by Jethro on the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES who also did part-time detective work?
Ina Balin guest stars as Sylvia, who made several appearances on QUINCY at the time. Soap opera (EDGE OF NIGHT) actor Clifford David plays Paul, and look for pre WKRP star Lonnie Anderson as Linzy. Perfect fit here.
Question; What does poker face Trench have to say about Lester? The kicker; WHO posed more frustration for Harry -- Les or Trench? Harry will need a shot of booze at the end, for surelies. 10 Stars.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 3 remastered WB dvd box set. These are now classic, if not cult box sets and prices tend to be high. Shop around. Thanks much to METV for the memories.
