In a switch, Mannix turns up in another small town minus welcomes mats, HOWEVER... his mission is to testify in a murder case. Now that's original. What comes with it are the usual gut and sucker punches, set against a New Mexico backdrop.
This was the only episode written by Samuel Newman, long associated with PERRY MASON, who wrote over 100 episodes, and some of the best. Surprisingly, Joe's testimony in this case does not amount to much, and the man he actually sent to prison is attracting some cut throats. Mannix naturally decides to stick around and play hardball, and that's when it all shifts into high gear. Don't y'all love it.
The cast is worth mentioning, particularly Joanna Barnes as Phyllis, a lawyer. Barnes was extremely popular in tv and worked at Warner Brothers on many top shows. All purpose character actor Dana Elcar plays the sheriff, a role very familiar for him. He always reminded me of long time NBC sportscaster Joe Garagiola, they looked so much alike.
Tall, dark and dead serious Richard Anderson plays the district attorney. Anderson seemed to be made for these types of roles as he rarely smiled. Tol Avery, a staple in many 60s sitcoms, thanks to his booming voice, is also well cast. Avery usually played professionals, though with a comedic slant.
There's a few goofs at play, in case you missed it, such as a California state flag in the New Mexico courtroom? This confirms the episode may have been filmed in the California desert, probably up near Lancaster. Miles and miles of wide open spaces.
Yes, the coffee mugs in Phyllis' office appear to be the same ones used by Joe and Peggy in their office. Coincidence? But there's more. Be on the look out for those famous 60s Corning white and blue coffee pots that Joe and everyone else seemed to have in their kitchen or wherever. It was the fashionable coffee pot of tv in the late 60s and 70s.
The climactic shootout with the mirror was "borrowed" from a Charlie Chan movie!
Put on the late night joe and don't lose the boxing gloves. Final episode of 1968.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 12 remastered CBS dvd box set.
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