There is a strong statement to made here, and yes, I agree with the last reviewer, and it bears mentioning, animal traps that explode or use poison are just plain insane. Applause to writer Arthur Heinemann, who obviously did the research, also into rural settings with such shows as BONANZA and LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. He is a STAR TREK alumnus.
The catch here is that a human is caught in one of these horrible traps, requiring Cannon to investigate exactly what kind of fiend he is up against. The setting in beautiful Silverton, Colorado, about 300 miles south of Denver. Former MGM star Phyllis Thaxter is quite good in the role of a tough as nails rancher who owns the property where the traps are set, the death of an immigrant front and center. Murder, an accident or what?
A powerful statement worked into a neat whodunit. Thaxter became part of Superman cult history, playing Clark Kent's mother in the original film (1978), and a favorite of Alfred Hitchcock on his tv show for years. Thaxter was also the mom of actress Skye Aubrey.
British actress Pamela Franklin (THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODY) plays Thaxter's daughter, Cindy. Watch for sly, ole Eddie Firestone (as Buck), a master of character roles. His style reminded me of Elisha Cook, Jr at times. Robert Pine, of course, looks right at home as the deputy sheriff. Shades of his future tv cop role.
Check out some truly beautiful scenery. It must have been a labor of love to be an outdoor scout for the show. They did their jobs in spades.
William Conrad and Phyllis Thaxter work very well together, and it shows. Thaxter's first husband was president of CBS TV, so she probably knew Bill Conrad many years, back to his days at Warner Brothers and Columbia Pictures, where he also directed NAKED CITY.
It was superior episodes like this that had the series steadily climbing each week in ratings, on its way to being a Top 10 show.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 6 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set No. 1 of 2. 3 dvds each box. 10 hrs. Each box.