This episode review is basically a chance for me to recommend you watch the 1960 western TV series, "Tate." It only lasted 13 episodes, but many rank it, along with "The Loner" (written by Rod Serling, as the best TV western series made. It stars David McLean, who plays the role of Dan Hadley in this Ironside episode. It's available now on DVD. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
What's disappointing is that McLean not only doesn't get beginning of the show billing (but Kaz Garas does?) - he doesn't even rate first screen billing in the final credits! McLean was had a natural, gritty, but sympathetic acting style and a face that revealed depth and some pathos (which is why Tate is so good), and his few scenes in this Ironside are the best. While Richard Anderson and (especially) Barbara Rush shout their way through this episode - and Kaz Garas plays yet another Ironside sadist, McLean turns a nothing part into something.
McLean was "The Marlboro Man" in TV commercials and got lung cancer from smoking. Before he died of same he was an anti-smoking advocate and his character is featured in the book and movie "Thank you for Smoking."
The plot involves a faked kidnapping and convoluted money laundering and clips along at a nice pace, so it's solid. And if you're a fan of TV history, then anything with Richard Anderson (look him up on IMDB!) makes it fun.
I thought we wouldn't have an Ironside/Star Trek connection, but after some sleuthing, found it! Vince Howard, who plays a cop here, was in the first ever aired Star Trek episode, "Man Trap."
What's disappointing is that McLean not only doesn't get beginning of the show billing (but Kaz Garas does?) - he doesn't even rate first screen billing in the final credits! McLean was had a natural, gritty, but sympathetic acting style and a face that revealed depth and some pathos (which is why Tate is so good), and his few scenes in this Ironside are the best. While Richard Anderson and (especially) Barbara Rush shout their way through this episode - and Kaz Garas plays yet another Ironside sadist, McLean turns a nothing part into something.
McLean was "The Marlboro Man" in TV commercials and got lung cancer from smoking. Before he died of same he was an anti-smoking advocate and his character is featured in the book and movie "Thank you for Smoking."
The plot involves a faked kidnapping and convoluted money laundering and clips along at a nice pace, so it's solid. And if you're a fan of TV history, then anything with Richard Anderson (look him up on IMDB!) makes it fun.
I thought we wouldn't have an Ironside/Star Trek connection, but after some sleuthing, found it! Vince Howard, who plays a cop here, was in the first ever aired Star Trek episode, "Man Trap."
