With the departure of MANNIX, Cannon continued the lone wolf/tough guy image. In fact, if you missed the opening credits, you'd think you were watching an episode of Mannix. Credit director Leo Penn for the turbulence. There is a lot.
The first scene is graphic (even by today's standards) with a black woman politician being assassinated at a rally in Los Angeles. A conspiracy theory unfolds and a list of suspects with ulterior motives comes into play (without giving too much away), except to say that Cannon faces a wild ride.
Young Carl Franklin turns in a very good performance as Cannon's confidant, keeping his ear to the ground and rolling with the punches. Franklin would later turn to a very successful writing and directing career; DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS one of his hits.
Herb Edelman (both a dramatic and comedy actor) plays the long arm of the law. That said, keep a sharp eye on everybody here. This is one of those "watch you back" stories. SS Schweitzer turns in a very good script and with some rather slick characters.
There are many young actors cast, reminding you of the MOD SQUAD, and with the intensity of the performances. Popular 70s/80s actress Jenny Sherman plays Lee, who looked a lot like Brooke Bundy (in fact at first glance I thought it was her).
The ending is another Classic Cannon, but again it's rough, also creepy, set in a dark museum of all places. Partly filmed at the University of Redlands.
This story preceded the much publicized two part special starring Joan Fontaine. SEASON 5 EPISODE 13 remastered (2016) CBS dvd box set.