Barnaby Jones (TV Series) The Black Art of Dying (1973) User Reviews

I thought this episode didn't make full use of the plot idea...but it's still worth seeing.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 7 July 2021]

Fritz Weaver plays Jason Mathews, a conman posing as a psychic. And, with the aid of his gorgeous assistant, he's been bilking grieving rich folks out of their fortunes. But with his latest scam, apparently Jason felt a man was getting in the way so he arranged a strange way to kill him that you just have to see for yourself. It certainly is far from a certain method for killing! However, when Barnaby is on the case, Jason panics and makes a huge mistake when he tries to tie up every loose end.

I like episodes of detective shows with Fritz Weaver....he was a very good heavy on lots of cop and detective shows, as well as "Mission: Impossible". That is a bit plus of the show. But a bigger minus is the resolution. This smart criminal acts a bit stupidly and it just felt too contrived to be realistic. Still, a slightly below average episode of "Barnaby Jones" is watchable and worth your time.

Bland episode of a weak show

[ronnybee2112 · 6/10 · 22 November 2020]

I like Buddy Ebson. I think he is a good actor and comedian. I like cop-detective shows of all types and I have seen many of them. This particular TV series did no favors to Mr Ebson or his career. What is wrong with the series and this episode ? Generally,the writing is weak. Often there are huge holes in the plot,some very unlikely situations, things that don't make sense or ring true,and so forth. Next,the direction is uninspired. The show is slow,plodding,and boring. There is no excitement,no spark. Main characters are not realistic or believable,and the acting is somewhat wooden at times. Another thing worth mentioning is how the cases seem to solve themselves with little actual work from Barnaby Jones. Things just seem to fall together on their own far more often than is believable. Some plus sides? The camera work is good. The sound is good. As another reviewer pointed-out,the earlier episodes are the better of the bunch. This show is not abolutely awful,there are indeed a few decent episodes. The show just isn't that good due to what I have listed.

Barnaby at his best

[Kartweeler · 10/10 · 28 February 2019]

This is my favorite of the entire series (I enjoy only the first four seasons, since I didn't like the corny inclusion of nephew JR starting in Season Five or the constant involvement of Secretary Betty's personal life in the cases). Frtiz Weaver (seen later playing a lawyer in one of my favorite Law & Order episodes) is perfect as the phony psychic, sounding like a British import rather than from Pittsburgh, right here in USA. His subject is a wealthy woman, played by Joanne Linville, who's lost a daughter to a kidnapper years ago, then her husband, and psychic Jason convinces her the girl is still alive -- "I'm getting nothing from the other side," he keeps insisting -- and romances her as well, prompting her to make generous donations to his "Psychic Institute" in London. His attractive young blonde sidekick, also in love with him, researches the parties to whom Jason imparts his psychic insights. (After one insensitive remark, Jason tells her, "You really are a heartless creature, aren't you?") He's not so kindhearted either; his cruel plot with the wealthy widow requires a murder or two along the way. Appearance by Jerry Lester, whose late night show in the early 1950s preceded the modern Late Show and others, and Joanne Linville is now 91.

SCARE ME ONCE, SHAME ON YOU!

[tcchelsey · 10/10 · 1 November 2023]

A perfect Halloween episode, but NOT with a lot of fun. Fritz Weaver, a dependable villain, this time plays a distinguished psychic, Jason Matthews, who is actually a big con. Matthews seems to have "the power", and in his latest charade predicts the death of a man. Barnaby smells a rat right off the bat.

The best thing about this episode is the fine acting on the part of Weaver, who was at the top of his game in such shows as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. He was also great at doing accents.

Bottom line, he made an unforgettable villain.

Without fail, Barnaby puts the pieces together and closes in on Matthews, who believes he's too smart. That's his downfall. This was the only episode written by Mark Weingart, and he cranked out a wonderful script. Mark served for many years as associate producer for the F. B. I and also wrote some scripts.

Great cast, lead by Joanne Linville as Kay Rogers. Joann was a natural, no matter what role she played. Future CHIPS star Robert Pine plays Paul.

Two veterans here; Maxine Stuart plays Ida. Maxine had a long list of credits, best known for PEYTON PLACE. Ann Doran plays a nurse. Ann's career went back to the 1930s, especially in some classic comedies with the THREE STOOGES.

Some spooky stuff here!

SEASON 2 EPISODE 10 remastered CBS dvd box set.