Very good start to the eighth and final season of the series, and on a sentimental note with frequent guest star Gary Lockwood, proverbial bad guy, up to his old tricks. I remember this episode when it first came out, especially for Lockwood. Knew it would be exciting.
This is one of those "I'll give you the benefit" stories... Barnaby teams with an old friend, Jim Parks (Lockwood) an arson investigator whose latest conclusion to a fire is a mistake. It was no accident. Barnaby gives him the benefit of the doubt, but slowly and surely begins to realize that somethings up. The story, written by Jack V. Fogarty, is similar to the early season episodes that had Barnaby REALLY suspicious, even of people he knew. That's what made the show so much fun. Fogarty later went on to write for TJ HOOKER.
Lockwood is complimented by Burr DeBenning, also tops at playing villains. He had a distinct look. Michael Strong guest stars and Ellen Geer, the daughter of actor Will Geer. Geer will always be remembered for her role in HAROLD AND MAUDE.
For all us car buffs, Barnaby drives a brand new 1979 2 door Ford LTD, a beautiful car in its day. He always drove the LTD series throughout the series run, but this car is sporty. Of course, producer Quinn Martin was a fronter for Ford in all his series, notably CANNON and his Lincoln and the FBI that featured a ton of Mustangs and Thunderbirds, driven by Efrem Zimbalist. Those were the days.
SEASON 8 EPISODE 1 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 6 dvd set. Released 2018. Note Lee Meriwether appears with Buddy Ebsen on the cover this time!