Shadow Play

"Shadow Play" is a not particularly outstanding episode of "Mannix"--but it also has its moments. The biggest problem is the writing--a lot of the show just doesn't make a lot of sense.

The show begins with Mannix arriving in town at the airport. There a woman identifying herself as Lynn Sargent pays Mannix a whole lot of money to deliver a package. This is awfully suspicious but even more suspicious is how she is acting--and the woman soon bolts. Behind her are two thugs who immediately set upon Mannix, as they want the package...or else. Well, Mannix isn't about to give in and they have a dandy fight--and Mannix more than holds his own. When the police show up, the thugs run.

When Mannix is interviewed by the police chief, he learns some interesting things. First, Lynn Sargent is dead...killed a month earlier by some hit and run driver. Second, the package turns out to be a phony--just stuffed with paper! What's next? See the show.

The biggest problem isn't the set-up which I mentioned above. This is interesting. However, how it all plays out just doesn't make a lot of sense--who the lady really is, her actions, the actions of Mr. Sargent (in particular) all made me a bit confused and the story seemed hastily assembled. Worth seeing but a bit of a let down.

I disagree with the other reviews. I liked this episode. I think it was intended to keep the viewers guessing right along with Mannix, and it accomplishes that goal.

I agree with the last reviewer, Stephen Kandel wrote this story to keep you guessing. And you will. A bit different slant. You have to admit, the opening is original when Joe receives a mysterious package from a lady --posing as another woman who is DEAD.

All about a young woman killed in a hit and run due to the fact that her husband (played by Jan Murray) has ties to the mob. Murray, a comedian and tv game show host, played some fine dramatic roles in his career, this may be one of his best efforts.

Julie Gregg plays Janet, the one to watch. She became a cult figure in BATMAN and played Sandra Corleone in THE GODFATHER. Big and tall John Vernon, this time around, plays the police chief --who gets socked by Joe. A unexpected surprise.

If you're keeping score, the sprawling ranch house is the famous Sargent House, later used as Jonathan Hart's homestead in HART TO HART. Top action scene finds Joe and Janet surrounded by the goons at the house. CLASSIC Mannix all the way, and why Paul Krasny was such a good director. The big question is did he get a lot of material done in one take? There's a series of short and fast scenes all edited together, unusually episodic and fun to watch. The most creative is the fake-out scene where Joe uses moving furniture and sheets in the front window to fool the sharpshooters outside.

Writer Stephen Kandel (who passed at age 96 in 2023) wrote 11 episodes for the series and 10 for CANNON.

10 Stars. Note the sharp dialogue, sometimes a step above the script itself, particularly between Joe and the chief. The hide and seek ending at night ties it all together. Excellent finale.

SEASON 4 EPISODE 23, nearing the end of he season. Remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set.