I enjoyed seeing this episode for two reasons. First, familiar TV detective Mike Connors ("Mannix") and cop Martin Milner ("Adam-12") are stars of the show. Second, it's one of the earliest shows I've seen, if not the earliest, to deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in policemen.
Early in this two-hour episode, Manny Mandell (Mike Connors) is nearly killed and he sees his partner (James Darren) killed right in front of him. He is able to kill one of the perpetrators and captures the other...but the psychological damage has been done. In addition, when Manny is treated like a hero and is given a medal, he can't help but wonder if he could have done something differently. After all, his best friend and partner is now dead...and folks keep congratulating him! As a result, he's falling apart inside but keeps up a brave face. He also has become hesitant...something potentially lethal to a street cop.
The show really gets the symptoms of PTSD right--the relationship problems, the anger, the fear, the drinking and, ultimately, the suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, the whole thing wraps itself up too neatly AND Manny never gets any therapy! Still, a very compelling and thought-provoking episode....well worth seeing.
Early in this two-hour episode, Manny Mandell (Mike Connors) is nearly killed and he sees his partner (James Darren) killed right in front of him. He is able to kill one of the perpetrators and captures the other...but the psychological damage has been done. In addition, when Manny is treated like a hero and is given a medal, he can't help but wonder if he could have done something differently. After all, his best friend and partner is now dead...and folks keep congratulating him! As a result, he's falling apart inside but keeps up a brave face. He also has become hesitant...something potentially lethal to a street cop.
The show really gets the symptoms of PTSD right--the relationship problems, the anger, the fear, the drinking and, ultimately, the suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, the whole thing wraps itself up too neatly AND Manny never gets any therapy! Still, a very compelling and thought-provoking episode....well worth seeing.
