"The Hunters" is a tough episode to watch, as it's about a vicious gang that robs liquor stores and lounges. Why are they so vicious? Because despite this being easy pickings, Big Jim Morrison delights in shooting or raping many of the victims...just for kicks! What makes this really amazing is not only how awful he is but that he's played by Jackie Cooper...one of the most beloved child actors of the 1930s! Talk about deliberately playing against type!!
The show itself focuses on the two detectives who are working the case. Calabrese (Anthony Lo Bianco) is dedicated to the case...too dedicated. As a result, he pushes his wife out of his life and he doesn't seem to realize that his marriage is a mess...and he is a mess. Jameson (Don Meredith) is single and seems a bit less wrapped up in his job. Instead, much of his energy is wrapped up in a sweet Japanese lady who works at their favorite hangout. So what happens when SHE becomes the next victim of Big Jim?
Overall, this is a gritty, well made episode...extremely exciting but also one worth seeing because it talks about the emotional toll being a cop plays on the cop, the wife and the rest of the family. Well worth seeing...but one you might want to skip if you've been a victim of sexual assault. It is NOT overly graphic but the subject matter might prove too distressing to watch.
By the way, also playing against type was Frankie Avalon in a bit part as a career criminal! America's sweetheart of the 1960s is a dirty little crook...how could you?! And, if you know old time films, that's character actor Allen Jenkins as the guy in the pawn shop...not playing against type in the least! And, there's also Dane Clark as the boss...both who were contract players with Warner Brothers back in the 40s.
