In a small New Mexican town, Mannix is called on to, somehow, reveal that an Native American's death was not an accident, but murder out of bigotry and prejudice.In a small New Mexican town, Mannix is called on to, somehow, reveal that an Native American's death was not an accident, but murder out of bigotry and prejudice.In a small New Mexican town, Mannix is called on to, somehow, reveal that an Native American's death was not an accident, but murder out of bigotry and prejudice.
Photos
- Jimmy Cousins
- (as Bill Lucking)
Storyline
Did you know
- Quotes
Harry White Eagle: Be right with you.
Joe Mannix: You still lying down on the job, Sergeant?
Harry White Eagle: Hey, Joe! Hey!
Joe Mannix: Harry.
Harry White Eagle: Hey, I didn't expect you until tomorrow.
Joe Mannix: Well, you said it was important.
Harry White Eagle: Yeah. Say, you look great, buddy.
Joe Mannix: Yeah, thanks. You haven't put on an ounce since Korea.
Harry White Eagle: You either.
Joe Mannix: Okay, now that we're through conning ourselves, Harry, what do you want me for?
Harry White Eagle: Oh... it's a beauty, Joe. My best friend, Fred Tallchief. Two weeks ago, he got killed in a fight.
Joe Mannix: Ah. Well, uh, police have any idea who did it?
Harry White Eagle: Two men - Jimmy Cousins, Pat Osterman. Said they were drinking it up with Fred, an argument started, and Fred got killed.
Joe Mannix: Well, what would you like me to do, Harry?
Harry White Eagle: I say he was murdered, Joe.
Joe Mannix: Go on.
Harry White Eagle: But it took the jury only five minutes to call it accidental death. I guess they were in a hurry to go look for the missing plane.
Joe Mannix: Yeah, I heard about that. What was the defense?
Harry White Eagle: They called only one witness - Gil Yarbrough. He said Fred was a drunken Indian looking for trouble.
Joe Mannix: It happens, Harry.
Harry White Eagle: Oh, yes. They found whiskey on him, all right. Only thing is, Fred didn't drink at all.
Joe Mannix: What gives Gil Yarbrough so much clout?
Harry White Eagle: His old man, B.J. Yarbrough, owns half the county. The guys who beat Fred to death work for him and pal around with Gil.
Joe Mannix: Do you think Gil Yarbrough is involved?
Harry White Eagle: I couldn't tell for sure.
Joe Mannix: This, uh, Cousins and Osterman, they just give themselves up?
Harry White Eagle: Nope. Fred's sister, Elena, found him before he died, and Fred himself named them.
Joe Mannix: Well, I'm gonna want to talk to her.
Harry White Eagle: Whenever you want to go, just say the word.
Joe Mannix: Okay, Harry, but, uh, first I think I'll just kind of nose around on my own. I'll be back.
Harry White Eagle: All right.
[Joe walks into his car and gets in]
Harry White Eagle: Joe? Thanks.
[Joe gives Harry a wave and drives off]
It all begins with two thugs, Cousins and Osterman, beating a poor Indian man to death. Soon Mannix gets a phone call from an old Korean War buddy (about the 40th in the series' run) asking for help. He knew the murdered man and wants Mannix to prove it was murder--though the men already were acquitted in court in the case. Well, they apparently didn't learn too much, as the pair immediately take a dislike to Mannix and try to beat him as well. When they are unsuccessful, they return later to get the job done...all as their pal, Gil Yarborough watches on in amusement. The problem is that Gil's father owns half the county and Mannix knows he'll get no justice here. What's next? See the show.
This episode was exciting but suffered in a variety of ways...and not just because of the familiarity of the plot elements. It handles rape in a questionable manner and also offers a plot hole with a phone call that is unnecessary and makes little sense. You could do better.
This episode, by the way, is set in Sandoval County, New Mexico-- located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. It is indeed VERY rural and looks pretty much like it does in the show. I wonder how they felt about the portrayal of the folks there in this episode!
- planktonrules
- Apr 17, 2017