Barnaby Jones: The Last Contract (1974)
Season 3, Episode 13
10/10
FAMILY BUSINESS... IS BUSINESS.
7 December 2023
Another memorable episode written by Robert Heverly, who was the senior writer for the F. B. I series. Considering he worked on actual FBI cases, this may have been loosely based on a real life incident, perhaps a story that was originally outlined for the latter series. It often works that way.

It's an incredible tale, you have to admit, all about a missing girl who is now very much married to a hitman. And it gets even more complicated.

The hitman is Clay (best played by Peter Srauss) who decides to quite the "business" and begin a new life with his new bride. On the other side sits his brother, Lester (played by Geoffrey Deuel), who believes it's a terrible mistake, urging him to reconsider. In the meanwhile, Barnaby is searching for Clay's wife, hired on by her mother, which snowballs as Lester believes he's after his brother. Does not get any better than this!

The characters are excellently portrayed here, particularly Strauss, who gives a convincing performance as a trained killer. I agree with the last reviewer that, at times, the relationship between Clay and Lester is strange, and with a deep psychological slant. It's best compared to the hero worship of a serial killer. These guys are both nuts. Geoffrey Deuel, who actually resembled his late brother, Peter, is also quite good.

Buddy Ebsen's daughter, Bonnie, has a small role as Cheryl, popping up from time to time in the series, and in some good bit parts. It's also another place the face episode with many familiar character actors to spot.

For all us travel fans, this was partly filmed at the picturesque Hollywood Reservoir, built very close to the iconic Hollywood sign. It's been open since the 1920s and the walk around the reservoir never changes, a mere 3.3 miles! If you are up to it!

Final episode of 1974. SEASON 3 EPISODE 13, remastered CBS dvd box set.
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