Another Kookie case, fairly good, and with some very interesting characters at large. This was the only episode written by Donn Mullally, a master of cop shows, who went on to write for MANNIX and IRONSIDE.
In an eye-opening scene, a pretty young woman is heading down a mountain road when her brakes give out -- CRASH and EXPLODE! It turns out the woman was the wife of businessman Simon Scott (as Warren), and there's a link to race car mechanic Charles Bell, well played by Peter Marshall, long before his game show career.
Joan Taylor guest stars with young Elinor Donahue from FATHER KNOWS BEST. Donahue is quite good in a dramatic role for a change of pace as is 50s sci fi star Rex Reason. Fine direction from Jeffrey Hayden, and guessing the killer is not too EZ. Always the fun part. JR has a few good scenes and Stu has a minor part, but he's here.
I agree with the last reviewer, cool Kookie looks out of sync driving a Ford Falcon, although the car was quite popular at the time. The episode comes off (in spots) as a semi Ford commercial; Scott's character drives a Lincoln and Marshall drives a classic T-Bird. Not to forget JR's 1930s Ford roadster.
Dedicated to all us Kookie fans, and with a surprise "shotgun" ending. Kookie and Donahue share a BIG kiss at the close for all us hopeless romantics.
Catch a nice shot of the famous Sunset Towers apartment building in Hollywood, later the home of tv's CANNON.
From SEASON 5 EPISODE 15 remastered. Thanks much to ME TV for running this classic show on Sunday nights.