Dead Pigeon

I need to file an "au contraire" reaction to this episde -I was a "Cannon" fan back watching it in first-run, not the least of which because of the dependable performing of character actor William Conrad, but this hour was strictly dullsville.

Guet talent is boring as is the story, with a particularly annoying musical score that Mickey Mouse each suspense or actin scene in as distracting a fashion as possible. At one point the awful music blaring reminded me of the "Batman" series, but in this case it wasn't supposed to be funny.

I did not see this episode when it was aired in 1971, but waiting all these years only worked against it, that is unless you are inclined to shill for a show.

10 Stars.

I agree with the last reviewer, this episode takes on a noir-ish type feel. Written by James Buchanan, who went on to produce CHARLIE'S ANGELS. He also wrote the tv movie THE RETURN OF FRANK CANNON in 1980, where Cannon comes out of retirement for one last case.

Buchanan shows a different side of Frank, more of a low key, calculating detective and with a smirk -- for the bad guys. Watch him, and its fun.

John McLiam plays a cop and friend of Cannon who is framed for a brutal murder. The opening shooting tells it all. McLiam appeared regularly on THE FUGITIVE, later years, he had multiple roles on IRONSIDE and MANNIX. You really feel sorry for his character. He's in a big jam.

Martin E. Brooks makes a slick villain, later seen on MCMILLAN AND WIFE and THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN. Barnard Hughes, noted for his appearances on ALL IN THE FAMILY, plays the stoolie who is doomed. You know its coming. Some nice shots of the Santa Monica pier here, before the firing squad.

Brooke Bundy (now all grown up) makes her first appearance on the show. She began her career as a model and was everywhere on tv, and probably knew William Conrad at Warner Brothers/ABC. They work well together, like a father and daughter team. Would have been a terrific idea IF Cannon had a daughter or niece like her, ya think?

Look for EJ Andre playing the old man who drowns in his bathtub? He appeared in a ton of movies and cop shows, soon to play the "senior" con man in PAPILLON.

The ending NOT to be missed. Don Taylor directed, who did many episodes for BURKE'S LAW. The reason Cannon is a bit more sassy here too. Different director, new style. We only wish William Conrad directed at least one episode (just one!) for old times for all us veteran fans.

Question; The final few minutes. Does Cannon remind you of Dick Powell or Robert Mitchum holding that gun? What a noir-ish scene.

Recommended. SEASON 1 remastered CBS and Paramount dvd box set No. 1 of 2. 4 dvds. 2008 release. Classy box set with artwork and photos.

This show begins with a cop being set up for a murder. The audience sees it's a setup but the other cops don't know this. Oddly, the cop awaiting trial requests not just help from his fellow police but from Cannon. The trail leads to some hucksters who helped with the scam--and Cannon is eventually able to untangle the mess and save the day (huzzah!).

The plot to "Dead Pigeon" is actually really good--complex, interesting and it will keep you on the edge of your seats. It's actually one of the better episodes of season one. It helps that Barnard Hughes (a fine actor) guest stars in this one. It also helped with the ending--the confrontation between Cannon and the mastermind of the plot is great! The dialog here is the key--gritty and rather film noir-like. Well worth your time. The only negative? Even when people are shot at close range, there is zero blood! One guy was shot three times in succession...and not a single drop.