PART 1 EPISODE, written by Chester Krumholz, who wrote eleven episodes in all for the series. He also did many stories for KOJAK and POLICE SURGEON. This story definitely takes on its own personality, and is one of the most offbeat, dealing with sci fi elements and mind control!
It's all about a high tech laser ray and a special agent who turns up dead. The man obviously knew too much. Intriguing premise, but as is the custom with this show, the storyline tends to get ahead of itself and really blasts off. Hang tight. There's also a side bar, of sorts, as Wickersham (Joe Campanella) takes a medical drug which results in "mood" swings?
This is amazing. The drug turns Wickersham into a two fisted fighting machine who goes the rounds with Mannix. A must see. He and Joe really, really have a knock down drag out fight that was very well directed. I always thought it was added to show that Joe's days were numbered and it was time for him to work on his own.
This is the first appearance of Beverly Garland (playing Edna), the first lady of cult films. At the time she appeared in the thriller PRETTY POISON. Check that film out, it's fantastic. Beverly was one heck of an actress who really got into her roles and had fun with them. She is so missed. For many years at her famous hotel in North Hollywood, Beverly showcased dozens of giant posters in the lobby from many of her classic sci fi films of the 50s, such as NOT OF THIS EARTH (1957). We kids loved it.
Leonard J. Horn directed, who backed many MISSION IMPOSSIBLE episodes. He was the right fit for this story and gets some good performances from the cast. Michael Toland plays a doctor, and who always looked like a doctor! Also classy Antoinette Bower guest stars as Gail, another fine actress. All purpose character actor Dana Elcar plays Fred. Dana usually turned up as sherriffs or businessmen, and always reminded me of NBC sportcaster Joe Garagioloa, they looked so much alike. Also a good performance by Roscoe Lee Brown.
This episode also begins a trend for many scenes to be filmed in the Los Feliz area, both for apartment building and business settings, primarily because it was a neighborhood very close to Paramount Pictures in Hollywood. Also Griffith Park tied into filming, close to Los Feliz. This was also the first episode filmed at the Paramount lot and you can notice many, many familiar sets that would reappear on the series for years to come.
Great late night entertainment.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 17 remstered CBS box set.