Death Across the Board

Pretty good entry, but you may need a scorecard to keep up. A wealthy stable owner hires Pete to find out who killed his best horse trainer. The trail leads through a crowd of colorful characters, when they're not dying off. Among the cast, catch the 40's favorite teen, Jimmy Lydon, as a gangster of all things. It's like seeing an Eagle Scout robbing an old lady. Then there's everyone's favorite workout artist, Jack LaLanne, in a surprise appearance as Jack LaLanne. There's also the usual support from slippery characters, mainly Ned Glass as a ethics-challenged tipster. And, guys, enjoy Edie while you can because, by my count, she's the only female relief from all the ugly men. I hope Stevens got paid triple for all the acrobatic fisticuffs, apparently done without a stunt double (would producers really risk that). Anyway, it's a typically entertaining entry from the decade's most stylish series.