Mod Squad (TV Series) Exit the Closer (1971) User Reviews

Quite Well-Written and Complex for This Show

[kgraovac · 8/10 · 25 October 2023]

This is one of the more complex, better-written episodes of the season. The plot is intricate and there is plenty going on here - money laundering, drugs, mob ties, and the most bumbling Lone Avenger you've ever seen - he's so pathetic you kind of feel sorry for him -- all centered around a used car lot, complete with a cheesy TV spokesman, played well by Larry Blyden. The role comes off as a stereotype but gets deeper as the episode progresses.

Having only known Ruta Lee from her comedic roles, seeing her in this as Blyden's long-suffering wife was a revelation. When given the chance, she could pull of drama just as well - she comes off like a flashier Beverly Garland. One thing I found kind of odd was one of Blyden's lines to Ruta: "You know, I never cheated on you". So, do you want a reward??

This is a solid effort worth seeing if you want to check out one of Season 4's better episodes.

MAKING IT THE HARD, HARD WAY IN HOLLYWOOD

[tcchelsey · 10/10 · 27 March 2023]

Don MacDougall directed this episode, a master of adventure, who at the time was also directing MANNIX and IRONSIDE. Do the math. The great Ruta Lee is featured here, one of the best actresses who could play both dramatic and comedy roles so well. Her list of tv credits is outstanding, and could be one for a book of records. A Hollywood original. Ruta finally got her star on the Hollywood walk of fame in 2009. Here she plays the concerned wife of fast talking, slick used car dealer Larry Blyden who makes a deal with drug smugglers. NOT good. The acting is spot on and Blyden always puts on a good show, playing a local celeb spokesman for a Hollywood dealership who is marked for death --even while filming a tv commercial? Blyden also served as a panelist and host on tv game shows to his credit, a man for all seasons. This is an adventurous episode, partly filmed at an actual Hollywood car lot, which is still there. You can see some landmarks in the background, such as the iconic Capital Records tower . And you know what, after more than 50 years, Hollywood really hasn't changed that much. Actually, it can't due to the fact that there is NO room for anything else. Wall to wall stores, condos and apartments. Watch the ending. Serious stuff . Recommened. SEASON 4 EPISODE 9.