Last Rites for Miss Emma

"Last Rites for Miss Emma" is a very good episode and it would have earned an 8 or even 9 if they'd written Peggy's part better. However, uncharacteristically, she behaves a bit foolishly in this one--which makes little sense because she's usually so wise.

The show begins with a group of thugs robbing a shipment of morphine from a warehouse. In the process of trying to stop the robbery, one of the employees, Floyd Brown (Robert Hooks), is shot. The gunshot wound wasn't horrible and he quickly recovers. In the process of the investigation, Peggy (Mannix's secretary) falls for Brown--and it's no surprise, as he's single, handsome and folks say he's a hero for trying to stop the robbery. Naturally, the insurance company covering the company hires Mannix to investigate and he comes up with some very interesting conclusions. I'd say more, but just don't want to spoil things. Suffice to say that aside from Peggy acting dumb, the show is quite original and exciting.

By the way, when Floyd Brown meets Peggy's young son, he says "...he's another O.J. Simpson...". At the time, this certainly was made as a complement--now it just seems very ironic.

Great to see Australian actor Ron Randell guest star, who at the time also appeared on MOD SQUAD and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. Best known for playing Lucius in KING OF KINGS.

Barry Crane, who produced the series, directed with his usual slick style. This one deals with a shipment of morphine and, quite expectedly, Joe has to contend with a weird assortment of characters and suspects. The story gets slightly complicated and HEATED since it involves Peggy's boyfriend (played by Robert Hooks). Mannix believes he's involved with the ring, stealing crates of morphine.

Joe and Peggy have WORDS. Also we get to see a little more of Toby, Peggy's young son. This was a larger part for Gail Fisher as writers were further developing her character, a very good actress. She would win an Emmy the following year.

Robert Hooks may have landed the part because he was co-starring on NYPD at the time, one of the busiest actors in tv. Larry Linville takes over LAPD duties, alternating with Robert Reed and Ward Wood. You have to admit, it was confusing having three different actors as cops, and could have been a play by Paramount to keep a backup plan. And it worked. Linville moved to MASH. Reed got fired by the studio, so that left Wood.

Keep an eye on some of the studio lot locations, particularly Mannix's garage. The place for many EXPLOSIONS. We kids loved it. Also filmed at Burbank Airport, familiar hub for the show.

SEASON 2, episode 22 CBS/Paramount dvd box set. Great box cover photo featuring Joe in a cool jacket.