Hardball

There's a bit of a debate if this is -- the final episode -- of the series, all because Peggy (Gail Fisher) is not in it. As I had mentioned in the prior episode review, episodes were often switched and not necessarily aired in sequence. CBS may have put HARDBALL as the grand finale because it's a winner.

Much credit to director Bill Bixby, who did some fine work on the show, both behind the camera and as an actor. He gets the most out of every single character. All about a desperate hostage crisis that includes Joe and Art Malcolm -- getting shot and looking like he may not make it.

Albert Beich wrote the story, behind BURKES LAW. William Windom, typically a tv good guy, plays George Kane, the top man behind a heroin racket. Perhaps one of his best dramatic roles, making you wonder when is he gonna' get it? We also get to see John Ritter (Cliff), who began his career in dramatic roles. Actress Tina Andrews turns in an excellent performance as Edna, who soon moved to soap operas.

Yes, the Brady Bunch living room is alive and well here, long after the show went off the air. Additionally, as one reviewer noted, we never find out what happened to Malcolm? He becomes one of the casualties, and although he's whisked away in an ambulance, there's no concrete conclusion either way. However, I will keep this a 10 star episode because it owes up to its title.

Famous bit actor Bob Harks plays a reporter on the scene on the Paramount lot. Although this episode was aired in April, I remember it was early summer when the news came (I heard it on the radio) announcing the series was cancelled, and all of us fans were shocked, at least in my high school. But there's reruns, and still around some 50 years later. Amazing.

Thanks, Mike Connors and Gail Fisher for a job well done. I didn't live too far from Mike Connors who retired to Tarzana, CA and I always remember stories and photos of him, usually taken at the front door of his house with his wife, a bit grayer, but still Mannix all the way.

SEASON 8 EPISODE 24 CBS/Paramount dvd box set. Collectors 8 Bullet Edition.