Moving Target

"Moving Target" is an okay episode of "Mannix". However, the ending, when you think about it, really made no sense. It's also an interesting because it's the only episode I remember where there is no murder-- just attempted murders.

When the show begins, the owner of the Mitchell Toy Company* is attacked late at night. His night watchman fortunately shows up in the nick of time. However, instead of calling the police, he contacts Mannix to investigate. However, throughout the entire show, he and his lady friend CONSTANTLY lie to Mannix--making the show seem a bit contrived. This also occurs when the man's supposed partner is supposedly killed---I'd say more but the plot is convoluted and I might give it away. However, the ending is a mess. For some inexplicable reason, the conspirators decide to kill Mannix...but there really is no reason for them to do this. It just left me scratching my head because of this.

I agree with the last reviewer, this episode is rather unique because there is NO murder. A super Mannix trivia question.

One of the best writers around, Karl Tunberg, known for BEN HUR and HARLOW, put together a very original story. True, there are attempted hits, still leading to a dangerous assignment for Joe. And does he have another client not telling all he should? You guessed right.

The cast is superior. Charles Aidman plays the owner (Ken Mitchell) of a toy company who is ALMOST killed. And the number one suspect, his so-called silent partner (played by Glenn Wilder) is extremely elusive. What's this guy's story? Jessica Walter plays Aidman's gal friend, also playing head games with Joe. There's a neat cameo appearance by legendary Washington Post columnist Art Buchwald, and according to notes, this was his only acting gig. He should have returned for another appearance.

Look for one of the best senior actresses, Lucille Benson, playing Ida. Popular on tv shows and movies in the 70s. If Glenn Wilder looks familiar, he appeared in a total of 10 episodes, and was a Hollywood stuntman for years. He came to the right place.

Without fail, there's a super car chase for all of us thrill seekers. Especially due to the previous episode with a car rolling off a cliff, it was finally confirmed both the producers and Paramount TV got the doomed cars from junk yards, possibly in real accidents themselves.

Director Richard Benedict handles this adventure extremely well, although it was the only episode he headed. He spent 10 years directing for HAWAII FIVE O, also with POLICE STORY. For movie buffs, Richard played quirkly bad guys in scores of films, and would have been a treat if he made a cameo appearance.

Beware, Joe is stalked BIG TIME, though the ending is rather offbeat. You be the judge. Still tag it 10 Stars.

SEASON 5 Episode 18 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 21 hrs total running time.