Though slightly off-beat from the earnest social issues-centered plots of nearly every other episode, this episode is, in my opinion, one of the best of the series. It relates the story of the wealthy Mattheson family and the bitter multigenerational feud that has existed between two branches of the family, a religious icon each believes is rightfully theirs, and their determination to possess it. Essentially,the episode becomes a suspense mystery. At the same time it relates the history of Los Angeles and California and the diverse sets of groups that settled there and how that history includes the historical exploitation of one group or race by another as sets of people displaced, dispossessed or dominated others. It illustrates that sometimes dynastic power and wealth did not necessarily originate with hard work, intelligence and pluck but simply from having stolen some or all of it from others.
Starting with the title and continuing through to the very end of the plot, everything in this episode is carefully and intelligently thought out, like a Hitchcock suspense. The storytelling, including moments of levity, such as when Lou compares Billie to a prized casaba melon, is very well executed, especially a section consisting of intercutting scenes as we alternately hear competing versions of the story each branch of the family has constructed to explain and justify their claim to the precious family heirloom. Along with the excellent regular cast, the guest actors are very good. Notably, they include two African American actors with the strong screen presence. Nigel Bullard, portrays the bright, erudite and ambitious Dr. Shepherd and Lynne Thigpen plays the quiet minor supporting role of Mrs. Dupree, the Matthesons home health care aide. Also notable is the performance of Jeff Lester who plays the handsome young Alex Matheson Jr. and simultaneously captures the character's charm and affability but also his slight childish obtuseness as he takes pride in having painted the brown earth and the blue water in a city mural he is showing off.
Don't misunderstand me. There are likely better and certainly more profound episodes than this, especially given the high caliber of the "Lou Grant" series, but this is certainly one of the better constructed, executed and certainly enjoyable episodes in the series. Sit back and enjoy one of the best episodes from one of the best dramatic social issue television shows on broadcast television.
Starting with the title and continuing through to the very end of the plot, everything in this episode is carefully and intelligently thought out, like a Hitchcock suspense. The storytelling, including moments of levity, such as when Lou compares Billie to a prized casaba melon, is very well executed, especially a section consisting of intercutting scenes as we alternately hear competing versions of the story each branch of the family has constructed to explain and justify their claim to the precious family heirloom. Along with the excellent regular cast, the guest actors are very good. Notably, they include two African American actors with the strong screen presence. Nigel Bullard, portrays the bright, erudite and ambitious Dr. Shepherd and Lynne Thigpen plays the quiet minor supporting role of Mrs. Dupree, the Matthesons home health care aide. Also notable is the performance of Jeff Lester who plays the handsome young Alex Matheson Jr. and simultaneously captures the character's charm and affability but also his slight childish obtuseness as he takes pride in having painted the brown earth and the blue water in a city mural he is showing off.
Don't misunderstand me. There are likely better and certainly more profound episodes than this, especially given the high caliber of the "Lou Grant" series, but this is certainly one of the better constructed, executed and certainly enjoyable episodes in the series. Sit back and enjoy one of the best episodes from one of the best dramatic social issue television shows on broadcast television.