This campy episode had to have inspired similar episodes on MANNIX, if not a few other later cop shows. The reason I bring up Mannix is that Joe met up with some really weird characters in the middle of the desert. Food for thought.
This is Stu's show all the way, and he really looks perplexed to put it mildly. He's knocked unconscious and awakens in the creepy desert town called "Roctown", home of god fearing men and women! Stu enters the cobwebbed hotel, only to check the dusty directory and discover that among the guests is Billy the Kid?
Comes a voice from a speaker, and its one Mr. Van Nuys (played by veteran actor Robert Douglas).
It turns out that his invisible host is setting him up for revenge, as well as some fun and games. It all kind of plays out like an old movie serial; Stu drops through a trap door and is caught in a giant vat of rising water.... all as mysterious Mr. Van Nuys has a few chuckles.
CREEPY STUFF. And more to come.
Excellent direction and writing from Montgomery Pittman, who directed as many classic episodes for the series as he wrote. Pittman also was associated with the TWILIGHT ZONE, and yes, this does take on the eerie feel of a TZ episode. It is something to watch, and far different than previous cops and robbers episodes.
Robert Douglas, who played villains in many classic movies, is spot on in this story. He later turned to directing for tv, and very succesfully, but every so often was lured back to play some excellent roles, even if he wasn't seen!
Some great desert shots, and the Warner Brothers old west town. Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., is great in this one man show and has a neat closing line.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 12 remastered WB box set. Purchase carefully as some of the dvd box sets were manufactured in Europe and may not play on American made dvd players.