Dragnet (TV Series) The Big Wish (1956) User Reviews

After seeing the mother...I could see why the guy resorted to using drugs.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 10 August 2019]

Friday and Smith are working the Juvenile Division when something very unusual happens....a young addict arrives and turns himself in to them. He's a heroin addict and knows this is the best way to get treatment. The investigation includes contacting the young man's mother as well as trying to get him to talk about his drug suppliers. When it comes to the mother, she's an odd one...and you can see indications why the guy used drugs after they talk with her. And, as far as naming suppliers go, he really doesn't want to be a snitch.

Overall a very good episode about drug abuse and treatment. My wife felt it was a tad preachy but I thought it not nearly as preachy as some of the drug episodes of the later 1960s "Dragnet". Well worth seeing. Interesting and with some nice performances.

Beating Addiction, Most Don't Try

[biorngm · 8/10 · 24 April 2018]

Review - The Big Wish Aired 5-3-56 Friday, Smith are working the day-watch out of Juvenile Division. For over a month, they have been looking for a narcotics ring supplying juveniles; so far there has not been a break in the case. In walks an addict willing to give himself up to the authorities, in order to receive help from being hooked on heroin. It had been twelve hours since the young man's last fix, the withdrawal pain was only beginning. The police provided their doctor to check out the youth, the court would decide the treatment. The seventeen-year-old was placed in the hospital, it was four days before he was able to even look any nourishment. On the fourth day from his hospital bed, Friday, Smith visit him. He is thankful for the care he has been given. Although reluctant to provide more names of pushers, Friday cracks through his shell exacting the information they needed to begin arrests of the traffickers, pushers and the man mentioned earlier as the person starting the youngster on drugs. The contact is arrested, he comes before Friday, Smith only to balk any requests the officers have made. After an unsuccessful suicide, the man gives up the name of the main supplier. Both men are tried, convicted and are now serving their terms in the State Penitentiary, San Quentin, CA. The original youth has been made a ward of the juvenile court.

The episode is watchable because it is a real story, with excellent acting by all.