A Passage for Trumpet

Entry is really more of a human interest story than anything else, although occult does play a role. Actually, the episode is distinguished by a truly exquisite performance from Klugman, whose down-and-out jazz musician remains a beautifully shaded study in urban despair. It's a low-key masterpiece. Lordly John Anderson also adds strong presence as mysterious goateed stranger. Message is uncharacteristically uplifting one for series, but not inconsistent with Klugman's desperate effort to express himself in jazz riffs. Episode also includes strong series feature: the use of stylized urban sets to heighten prevailing mood, especially nighttime mood. However, it's the human interest dimension that carries this delicately wrought entry.