This is a major role for Greg Morris who takes the place of a boxer who injured his hands during the Vietnam war. He has to train as a boxer (although he had done some and was a local champion when he was in the service, Barney not Greg) in a small amount of time in order to set up a crooked promoter and gambling ring leader. This is developed over two episodes and creates a huge amount of tension as you invest yourself in Barney more than you have before. There is also a segment for Willy (Peter Lupus) that lasts for over a full commercial block that enhances the tension. The acting in this set of episodes is top notch and begins an upward spiral where the team all ups their acting to match Martin Landau who dominated in season 2. This is a great episode to see Barney Collier in a different milieu.
4 Reviews
Pretty Good Boxing Episode with Interesting Actors
ftao-861-73838230 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"The Contender" features Greg Morris (Barney) prominently in a boxing role, training and eventually fighting to take down a sports betting syndicate. The boxer whom Barney is impersonating is played by an almost unknown actor, Ron Rich, who doesn't make much of an impression. Interestingly, however, the former boxer Sugar Ray Robinson displays a lot of screen charisma as not a boxer, but one of the bad guy's "heavies" who does his dirty work. John Dehner and Ron Randell are both very good as the two main villains. A bit of a spoiler here, Robert Conrad, who was starring in "The Wild Wild West" at the time, has a cameo as a sparring partner for Barney (if it appears that Conrad looks like a real boxer, it's because he did have a brief boxing career). The boxing scenes are fairly exciting, though purists may complain that it's not authentic enough. Overall, an interesting two part episode for the sports fan.
ENTER BARNEY, THE BOXER!
tcchelsey12 May 2024
PART 1
This was a far different type scenario for the MI team, no international spies or unscrupulous kings in this episode to be sure. Also a nice showcase for Greg Morris to shine in a very physical role.
The theme is boxing, naturally the crooked side, run by a big shot promoter called Buckman (played by Australian actor Ron Randell), who wants to control both professional and amateur matches -- and take the money and run. His partner in crime is a sly character called Whelan, well played by John Dehner. He was a master at playing these roles, and had a lot of fun with them as you will see. Dehner was the John Barrymore of villains, similar in style to Jack Cassidy. A class act.
Special guest star is famed boxer Sugar Ray Robinson (as Wesley), who does an exceptional job in the acting department. Robinson was legendary for his lightning bolt punches. He is something to watch.
Couple of gag appearances to note; the man renting a boat to Phelps is producer Bruce Geller -- of all people! And look for Robert Conrad (WILD WILD WEST) in a bit as a boxer, and he's good. Conrad, without too much surprise, was very athletic and tackled many stunts on his own show. He was a one of a kind showman.
Another fine script by series writer William Read Redfield and direction by Paul Stanley. Stanley was behind many HAWAII FIVE O episodes.
The boat scene was filmed at legendary MacArthur Park.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 2 remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 7 dvd box set. Released 2008.
This was a far different type scenario for the MI team, no international spies or unscrupulous kings in this episode to be sure. Also a nice showcase for Greg Morris to shine in a very physical role.
The theme is boxing, naturally the crooked side, run by a big shot promoter called Buckman (played by Australian actor Ron Randell), who wants to control both professional and amateur matches -- and take the money and run. His partner in crime is a sly character called Whelan, well played by John Dehner. He was a master at playing these roles, and had a lot of fun with them as you will see. Dehner was the John Barrymore of villains, similar in style to Jack Cassidy. A class act.
Special guest star is famed boxer Sugar Ray Robinson (as Wesley), who does an exceptional job in the acting department. Robinson was legendary for his lightning bolt punches. He is something to watch.
Couple of gag appearances to note; the man renting a boat to Phelps is producer Bruce Geller -- of all people! And look for Robert Conrad (WILD WILD WEST) in a bit as a boxer, and he's good. Conrad, without too much surprise, was very athletic and tackled many stunts on his own show. He was a one of a kind showman.
Another fine script by series writer William Read Redfield and direction by Paul Stanley. Stanley was behind many HAWAII FIVE O episodes.
The boat scene was filmed at legendary MacArthur Park.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 2 remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 7 dvd box set. Released 2008.
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