The F.B.I. (TV Series) The Sanctuary (1969) User Reviews

Well handled.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 9 February 2021]

"The Sanctuary" is an episode of "The FBI" that is mostly set in inner city Los Angeles and unlike most episodes, this one has a mostly black cast. Fortunately, the writers handled this one well and it holds up well today.

The story begins with two guys robbing a bank. One, Nate Phelps (Billy Dee Williams) ends up shooting a policeman dead as he's making his getaway. But his confederate is soon caught...and so Nate decides to go to his old neighborhood where he knows everyone and expects to find help.

This is a very interesting episode of the series and also handles race rather well. Not surprisingly, the inner city residents distrust the police and FBI...which is pretty realistic. Overall, a very good installment of the series.

A decent 5th season entry

[hmoika · 6/10 · 8 January 2018]

This episode benefited from good direction and a decent script. Not to mention the acting of Billy Dee Williams and Lola Falana.

There was one rather odd/funny moment: early in the episode, when Billy Dee Williams is running from the law, suddenly the music changes to something trying to sound like a funky-yet-dangerous feel. Obviously, the powers that be wanted to build on the African American theme of the episode. Perhaps back in the day this music worked; but when I heard it, it seemed rather laughable. The passage of time....

Billy Dee Williams hides out in the black neighborhood of his youth. This sort of boxes him in, and the show gets rather sleepy because of it. They can't capture him until Act IV, so everyone has a lot of talking to do prior to that.

Lola Falana was the highlight. She gave her all to the part.

All in all, a decent 5th season entry.

Billy Dee Williams: Excellent choice!

[scottmyers-57569 · 9/10 · 16 April 2021]

Prior to playing Gale Sayers in Brian's Song, Williams played another NFL star who went the wrong way. And add in dancing entertainer Lola Falana to an impressive cast....well, what else can I say? QM, you outdid yourself again.