10 Plus Stars. Off the scale.
With MANNIX and IRONSIDE being cancelled, CANNON was one of the last tough tv detectives, and he carries one heck of a torch in this special episode.
NIGHTMARE is a one of kind season premier. No other way to spell it.
The haunting story explains what happened to Cannon's wife (Laura) and son (David) who were killed by a hitman many years earlier, while he was a cop on the LAPD. There's also a hint his wife was NOT who he thought she was.
It's a complicated, noir-ish-like tale that is extremely emotional and well acted. The opening scene is a knockout, and it is difficult to watch. Credit writer Robert Lenski, who was behind many top MANNIX episodes, without too much surprise. Paul Stanley did a fantastic job as director, long associated with HAWAII FIVE O.
William Conrad deserved an EMMY for his part in this production. You see him in a far different light, you can only feel sorry for the character he portrayed and the burden he carried for many years. It's strange, though, this story did not surface in earlier seasons, which would have given more development to his offbeat role and the fact that he was a lone wolf.
In the deathbed scene, the killer does not reveal how Mrs. Cannon and her son died, but it's apparently due to a gas explosion.
The cast is spot on, with lots of veteran actors; John McMartin (veteran Broadway actor SWEET CHARITY) as Senator Andrews, also John McLiam as Captain Corday in a very good role. Look for Elizabeth Allen as Arlene and Joe De Santis as Benito. This cast does their job thanks to Paul Stanley.
To note; It must have been very difficult for any actor to accept the role as the killer of Cannon's wife and son.
Not for all tastes, but if you can get through it, it answers a lot about Frank Cannon. Partly filmed at the magnificent Gull Estate in Malibu, a frequent pit stop for all cop shows.
Recommended for completists. SEASON 5 EPISODE 1 remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set. A beautiful box set with a distinguished picture of William Conrad. 7 dvd set. Released May 2016. A collectors item to be sure.