"Cannon" The Dead Samaritan (TV Episode 1973) Poster

(TV Series)

(1973)

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8/10
A better than average episode.
planktonrules29 August 2013
It's obvious when this episode begins that some sort of set-up is occurring. A young blonde (Arlene Galonka) bumps into a man and then throws herself all over him--screaming that he's attacking her. A passerby (David Hedison) comes to her rescue--hitting the man. She immediately disappears and the man dies of a heart attack. This is all too convenient and the Good Samaritan was set up to take the fall. But who is responsible? Well, the show does NOT keep that much of a secret, as the dead man's business partner (Barbara Babcock) tells them she saw the Good Samaritan attack the dead man and that it was unprovoked! Now police want to charge him with manslaughter. Can Cannon piece it all together? What do you think?!

I think the reason I liked this one so much was because I loved the scenes between William Conrad (Cannon) and the blonde (Galonka). They were very likable and sweet together and I liked their budding friendship. Because of this, the show has more heart and character development than usual and makes it worth seeing.
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10/10
HOW TO GET IN TROUBLE IN TWO SECONDS?
tcchelsey2 September 2022
Joe Mannix usually had a client every now and then who was set up. However, Cannon's client is REALLY set up. A very clever mystery by Stephen Kandel, who passed in 2023 at age 96. Stephen wrote 10 episodes for the series, and 11 for MANNIX, so he knew his stuff. Also a writer for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. One of the last great tv writers.

David Hedison guest stars, asking for Cannon's help, all about a businessman who drops dead, made to look like murder. The opening scene is incredible, the idea borrowed from many old mysteries, yes.... but freshened up a bit. The acting is also very good.

Jerry Jameson directed, behind MAYBERRY RFD, which starred Arlene Galonka. She plays BJ the mysterious blonde, connected to the case, a multi million dollar real estate deal. Arlene, who passed last year, was a versatile actress who could play some very funny roles and also come off as one really tough cookie. An underrated actress.

Barbara Babcock (best known for DR QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN) is also excellent. Look for Bill Quinn as wise, ole Dr. Calvert. Bill gained famed as he got older, playing obnoxious seniors, such as on SEINFELD. Patricia Morrill (MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW) plays the head of a modeling agency. She was a natural.

The curious thing about this story; it brings Frank Cannon and BJ together, becoming close friends. But we never see her again? More gal friends to come. Stay tuned.

Some nice shots of the Santa Monica Pier, frequent setting for the series. Was it because they had great food out there for the hungry crew? These guys must have had a blast.

One goof, and I agree. Cannon does not wear any hearing protection at the LOUD firing range, and it has happened before. Remember, he also a shooting range at his penthouse. Interesting.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 15 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd (Box set #2) 3 dvds per box. 10 hrs each box. 2010 release, box 1 released 2009.
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Unusual coincidences...
perro315-111 May 2019
I see that, according to IMDB, the exceptionally pretty, high-pitched voiced Arlene Golonka not only appeared in an episode of "Cannon" titled "The Dead Samaritan" , but, also---several years later---in an episode of "The New Dragnet" also titled "Dead Samaritan" ! Kind of like how Hall of Fame super-gorgeous actress Sherry Jackson once appeared in a "Maverick" episode titled " Red Dog", then, several years later, in a "Rockford Files" episode titled " The Real Easy Red Dog"!
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