This was the only episode directed by Herschel Daugherty, who handled a ton of tv shows, especially westerns, such as BONANZA. He was also associated with HAWAII FIVE O.
Dick Van Patten makes his first appearance on the series, and is quite good. While Van Patten was usually cast in light roles, he definitely could turn in a dramatic performance. His son, Vincent, did a fine job in the very first series episode, also on BARNABY JONES.
Van Patten (as Abel) is out to get the goods on playboy Jason Evers and his brother (played by Dan Chastain), who he believes responsible for his daughter's untimely death at a party at his mansion. Evers appeared in at least one episode each season, and always turned in a solid performance. He was a friend of Bill Conrad's, his old boss at Warner Brothers/ABC tv. There were lots of folks on this show (even in bit parts) who worked for Conrad back in the day.
The acting is excellent, the story possibly inspired by the sudden death of tv host Art Linkletter's daughter (a few years earlier), who either jumped or fell from a window at a Hollywood party. There's an early glimpse of Mary Frann (NEWHART) who plays Van Patten's other daughter who hires on Cannon.
If Don Chastain looks familiar or his name sounds familiar, that's because he was the lead writer on AS THE WORLD TURNS for almost a decade, and played a doctor on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW. This was definitely a rare bad guy role for Don.
The brothers' mansion is one of those old Hollywood landmarks (South Rafael Street in Pasadena) used in many cop shows. Yes, Bob Harks returns. The famous bit actor (in hundreds of tv shows) plays a guard. Can you spot him?
I do agree with the last reviewer, it's strange Abel doesn't shoot the man who killed his daughter at the end, however, writer Arthur Heinemann may have wanted to portray him as a non violent person. You have to admit, it's hard to picture Dick Van Patten as a killer, and the story may have been written with him in mind to play the part. You be the judge.
Episode 18 from SEASON 2 remastered 2010 CBS/Paramount dvd box set No. 2. 6 dvds total.