A must for fans of Katherine Helmond (who passed in 2019), likely cast due to her many fine appearances on MANNIX, a few years before sitcom fame.
Robert C. Dennis, Hitchcock's lead writer for his tv series, is to be congratulated for writing this particular story, shedding light on the plight of teens with mental disabilties, often used in schemes. In this case, a convenient suspect in a murder. Adam Arkin, in a prime early role, plays a teen who sneaks out of the house one night to check out the bright lights at a carnival -- at about the same time when a young woman is strangled to death. Her body is found beneath the Santa Monica pier, adding to the noir-ish flavor of the episode, without fail.
Helmond and Lou Frizzell play Arkin's concerned parents, who immediately hire Harry, who has a lot on his plate. More murders happen, and that means more friction with Trench. Veteran actor Alan Feinstein plays Phil.
Only debit, Sue (Farrah Fawcett) would have been perfect for this sort of a story, also being stalked by the killer. Missed opportunity, but that's the way it goes.
Interestingly, Arkin was about the same age as his character in this episode, now in his late 60s, still acting to this day, known for CHICAGO HOPE. Dennis wrote five episodes for the series, six for CANNON at the time, also HAWAII FIVE O. Never to forget all his classic mysteries for PERRY MASON.
Yes, Harry has earned a shot of whiskey.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 5 remastered Warner Brothers dvd box set. Both seasons 1 and 2 are now collectors items, and prices vary. Shop around. Thanks to METV for the memories.
