Deadfall: Part 1 (20 Jan. 1968)

An Intertect security chief apparently has been killed while driving. At almost the same time, an explosion at an Intertect client has killed a technician and destroyed a new laser device. ... See full summary »

Director:

Leonard Horn

Writers:

Richard Levinson (creator), William Link (creator),

Stars:

Mike Connors, Joseph Campanella, Michael Tolan

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Mike Connors	...	Joe Mannix
Joseph Campanella	...	Lew Wickersham
Michael Tolan	...	Dr. Norman Forest
Beverly Garland	...	Edna Restin
Roscoe Lee Browne	...	Dr. Andrew Josephus
Antoinette Bower	...	Gail Mason
Dana Elcar	...	Fred Restin
Austin Willis	...	George Carlisle
Julian Burton	...	Justin Detweiler
Sidney Clute	...	Dr. Bernstein
Morgan Jones	...	Howard Pender
Jack Bernardi	...	Ball Man
Nicholas Georgiade	...	Logan (as Nick Georgiade)

Storyline

An Intertect security chief apparently has been killed while driving. At almost the same time, an explosion at an Intertect client has killed a technician and destroyed a new laser device. Mannix suddenly is thrust into the case while Intertect chief Wickersham begins acting erratically, the side effect of medication for an infection. Mannix concludes that the Intertect security man may have sold out, along with somebody at the client. Mannix later finds that the Intertect security man is still alive. Mannix, though, isn't having an easy time. The Intertect chief's behavior turns worse and he gets into a brutal fight with Mannix. Afterward, an injured Mannix confronts a woman who was having an affair with the Intertect security man. She drugs him and Mannix is on the verge of falling into unconsciousness as someone is coming to the woman's apartment.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 1968 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This episode was the first of the series to be produced by Paramount Television.

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Goofs

In the opening sequence (right before the credits start to roll), a rope attached to the lab technician, which pulls him backward after the explosion, is clearly visible.

User Reviews

A bit complicated...but stick with it.

This episode marks the first "Mannix" made by Paramount--the previous shows were all Desilu productions. The company was sold to Paramount in 1968 and shows like "Star Trek" and "Mannix" continued--just with a new studio in charge. However, this MIGHT explain why "Deadfall" was the first episode that was a two-part show--perhaps as a way of ushering in the new production company.

While "Mannix" was always a violent show, this first part is particularly so. Now for me, this was a plus--it made the show grittier and more believable. But it must have also thrown audiences for a loop seeing a guy take a head-shot that looks pretty convincing! It also featured one of the most violent fights so far in the series--and, oddly, it was between Mannix and his boss, Wickersham! Now I could try to explain the plot for "Deadfall" but it is VERY complicated. In fact, I am pretty sure that by the end of part one, you'll be thoroughly confused. Who is behind these murders? Why is Lew behaving so strangely? And, how do all the many disparate pieces all fit together? Well, I won't help you with this--you'll just need to see it for yourself as well as part two--which will bring most of these answers. Well done, if a bit confusing.