A well written, strongly motivated, and pivotal episode that creatively introduces a new character who adds dimension to an already enjoyable series. It is an indisputably successful installment as it set the series up for new mystery angles that extended the show's life another four seasons. High production values, reliably committed performances from the endearing lead performers, quality guest stars, and excellent direction combine for an entertaining fifth season opener. Despite silly and minor quibbles offered by other reviews, "Blood Vengeance" is an outstanding and worthy series entry that helps set up a subsequent anthology approach that brought variety and heightened interest to the production's reliably engaging mystery-suspense format.
3 Reviews
ENTER JEDEDIAH ROMANO JONES!
tcchelsey26 January 2024
We all loved J. R. (Mark Shera), who was added to the fifth season to lend Barnaby a helping hand. Actually, Jedediah would do a lot of "leg work" for his boss, in addition to being caught up in many cases, such as this one.
This story is rather personal. JR's father, a Chicago cop and Barnaby's cousin, is killed and it's all hands on deck. In a way, it's very sentimental, recalling how the very first series episode began with the death of Barnaby's only son, Hal.
I agree with the last reviewer, this is an outstanding story and refreshing, as it takes on a new slant and with a much younger character, opening the door for some challenges that Barnaby couldn't handle himself. None other than professional bad guy James Olson guest stars, a definite plus. He was used many times by producer Quinn Martin, and for good reason.
Christine Belford is cast as Louise, best remembered for her appearances on BANACEK as Carlie.
She and George Peppard made a super team on that show. Series writer Dick Nelson did a commendable job here. Nelson also worked on tv westerns, namely ALIAS SMITH AND JONES.
To note, this was Mark Shera's second series. He was also known as one of the heroic team members in SWAT, still popular in reruns. He began his tv career appearing in an episode of KOJAK and also has worked as a voice actor.
Recommended for all us long time Barnaby fans.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 1 remastered color CBS dvd box set.
This story is rather personal. JR's father, a Chicago cop and Barnaby's cousin, is killed and it's all hands on deck. In a way, it's very sentimental, recalling how the very first series episode began with the death of Barnaby's only son, Hal.
I agree with the last reviewer, this is an outstanding story and refreshing, as it takes on a new slant and with a much younger character, opening the door for some challenges that Barnaby couldn't handle himself. None other than professional bad guy James Olson guest stars, a definite plus. He was used many times by producer Quinn Martin, and for good reason.
Christine Belford is cast as Louise, best remembered for her appearances on BANACEK as Carlie.
She and George Peppard made a super team on that show. Series writer Dick Nelson did a commendable job here. Nelson also worked on tv westerns, namely ALIAS SMITH AND JONES.
To note, this was Mark Shera's second series. He was also known as one of the heroic team members in SWAT, still popular in reruns. He began his tv career appearing in an episode of KOJAK and also has worked as a voice actor.
Recommended for all us long time Barnaby fans.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 1 remastered color CBS dvd box set.
Major changes in store, starting with season five.
planktonrules24 July 2021
I am not certain why Mark Shera ('Jedidiah') was added to the cast of regulars starting in season five. I can only guess that with his age, some of the rigors of making the show were beginning to take their toll on Buddy Ebsen. Regardless, the whole chemistry, for good or bad, would change starting with this episode.
When the story begins, one of Barnaby's cousins calls him from the airport. This Chicago cop apparently is in LA looking for a fugitive and plans on meeting up with Barnaby. But before they can meet, the suspect finds the man and kills him....so much for a family reunion! Soon, the dead man's son, Jedidah, arrives to help Barnaby with the case Sadly, however, Jedidah (at least in this episode) is headstrong and stupid....and so is a guy who can identify the killer...he's far from intelligent! Can Barnaby manage to keep his cousin's son from getting killed?
James Olson was very good as a cold, remorseless killer. It wasn't his fault that the stunt men and director were idiots, as the guy supposedly fighting with Jedidiah at the end looks about as much like Olson as Leo Gorcey! The stuntman is sporting a HUGE wig...which is odd considering Olson was nearly bald! It really is comical.
What is less comical is Jedidah. He is, at least in this episode, about as welcome and useful as a boil. He and the dumb eyewitness really worked to reduce the effectiveness of the show. Not one of the series' better episodes, that is for sure.
When the story begins, one of Barnaby's cousins calls him from the airport. This Chicago cop apparently is in LA looking for a fugitive and plans on meeting up with Barnaby. But before they can meet, the suspect finds the man and kills him....so much for a family reunion! Soon, the dead man's son, Jedidah, arrives to help Barnaby with the case Sadly, however, Jedidah (at least in this episode) is headstrong and stupid....and so is a guy who can identify the killer...he's far from intelligent! Can Barnaby manage to keep his cousin's son from getting killed?
James Olson was very good as a cold, remorseless killer. It wasn't his fault that the stunt men and director were idiots, as the guy supposedly fighting with Jedidiah at the end looks about as much like Olson as Leo Gorcey! The stuntman is sporting a HUGE wig...which is odd considering Olson was nearly bald! It really is comical.
What is less comical is Jedidah. He is, at least in this episode, about as welcome and useful as a boil. He and the dumb eyewitness really worked to reduce the effectiveness of the show. Not one of the series' better episodes, that is for sure.
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