This was one of three episodes written by famous author Robert C. Dennis, who did many stories for CANNON and HAWAII FIVE O... but if you are an Alfred Hitchcock tv fan, then you know his work. Dennis wrote some of the best material for Hitch, which made the series a classic.
If you were a fan of MY FAVORITE MARTIAN, good guy Bill Bixby would never do this! But he did. This story is an about-face for Bixby who generally played lighter roles early in his career. It also showed what a dynamic actor he was, and here he comes off as a real cad. Bixby later played some similar roles on MANNIX.
Here, he's married to a wealthy "older" woman, naturally having an affair on the side --until his mistress wants him to get a divorce which would leave him flat broke. Do the ugly math. True, it's a familiar story, but fascinating, thanks to Robert Dennis. You'll be hooked in no time, sort of a cop show soap opera at play here.
Enter Barnaby Jones who plays a neat game of cat and mouse. There does remain one big question: was it REALLY murder? It is debatable, but the crime is carried out and there's a price to pay. Some great character bits, including Nora Marlowe as a housekeeper. Marlowe is best known for her recurring role on THE WALTONS, and scores of appearances in classic movies (NORTH BY NORTHWEST) and tv shows.
The ending is one you do not want to miss, even if it means a trip to the un luxurious, non Beverly Hills slammer for Bill.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 11 remastered CBS dvd box set.