Some heavy hitters are cast in this story, to cover the fact that most of the characters they play are not very likable. Stay tuned...
Of course, when has Mannix ever had an easy ride in the first place? This is what's professionally called a "character study". The story will definitely keep your attention, with Joseph Campanella returning to the series after many years, to play Dr. Aspinall, a distinguished surgeon. The problem is the doc is NOT a people person and guess what-- someone is trying to kill him. Campanella co-starred in the first season of the series as Joe's boss, and more than likely, due to budget constraints, was written out of the show to make way for Gail Fisher as Peggy.
Mannix is introduced to Aspinall by the doc's quirky attorney (Noah Otway), well played by Burgess Meredith, who is another work of art! The list of suspects is interesting. Carol Ohmart (famous for the HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL) plays Gerda, the doc's wife (who just has that guilty feel) and there's a brief appearance by lovely Lorraine Stephens, always dressed to impress, who reminded me of Anne Francis. Stephens co-starred in the tv action series MATT HELM.
Shimon Wincelberg wrote this story, also many scripts for POLICE WOMAN. Shimon did stories for STAR TREK and GUNSMOKE, a part of tv history.
All in all, another rollercoaster ride, and although the central characters are not particularly suitable for framing, guessing the villain is worth the wait. I agree, Campanella was an excellent actor and gets the job done. SEASON 6 EPISODE 3 CBS/Paramount remastered color dvd box set.
Of course, when has Mannix ever had an easy ride in the first place? This is what's professionally called a "character study". The story will definitely keep your attention, with Joseph Campanella returning to the series after many years, to play Dr. Aspinall, a distinguished surgeon. The problem is the doc is NOT a people person and guess what-- someone is trying to kill him. Campanella co-starred in the first season of the series as Joe's boss, and more than likely, due to budget constraints, was written out of the show to make way for Gail Fisher as Peggy.
Mannix is introduced to Aspinall by the doc's quirky attorney (Noah Otway), well played by Burgess Meredith, who is another work of art! The list of suspects is interesting. Carol Ohmart (famous for the HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL) plays Gerda, the doc's wife (who just has that guilty feel) and there's a brief appearance by lovely Lorraine Stephens, always dressed to impress, who reminded me of Anne Francis. Stephens co-starred in the tv action series MATT HELM.
Shimon Wincelberg wrote this story, also many scripts for POLICE WOMAN. Shimon did stories for STAR TREK and GUNSMOKE, a part of tv history.
All in all, another rollercoaster ride, and although the central characters are not particularly suitable for framing, guessing the villain is worth the wait. I agree, Campanella was an excellent actor and gets the job done. SEASON 6 EPISODE 3 CBS/Paramount remastered color dvd box set.