I had to refrain from using Darren's epic 'fragile' line from 'A Christmas Story's as the header. I decided against it because I felt it'd be disrespectful to Darren McGavin's performance. As terrific as his performance was in ACS his acting talents go beyond playing Ralphie's old man.
Well, mark your spots on your Bingo cards because this is another episode that's centered on somebody Mannix was in the war with wanting to go after him. Darren does a great job playing an absolute psychopath. I'd say Darren and Clu Gulager are my two favorites when it concerns men from the war going after Mannix. Both men approached the roles differently imo. So it's not a case of 'this is just a copy of that episode so there's no point in watching this one'
I must say there's something I'm glad of and I don't want to make it sound like I'm picking on a child. Here goes: I'm glad Toby wasn't used that much. It has nothing to do with his acting because it goes back to what I say on all my reviews where I talk like this. An actor is handed a script and he does it. The actor playing Toby did the script the way it was called for. It just bothers me the way the writers write for Toby. Can't you see your mom has done a 180? Something's wrong. Can't you see your mom is afraid?
I don't know what to call it tbh. This series had Mannix being hired by children before and the writing seems fine for them so why does it breakdown for Toby?
And I must say it's episodes like this where I head canon that Joe, Peggy, and Toby are family. Joe and Peggy have love and concern for each other. They don't have to be pawing each other on Mannix's couch for me to see the love and respect they have for each other. Mannix is afraid Peggy and Toby are in danger from Darren's character and not only does he call a cop to investigate the cabin, he drives up there himself. It's beautiful and I'm not being snarky when I say that.
Anyway, this episode was excellent with an amazing performance from Darren McGavin. I'd highly recommend, especially if you only know him from ACS and you want to see the flip side of him playing somebody unhinged.