Ironside (TV Series) Dear Fran... (1971) User Reviews

Fran should never headline an episode, but there are some interesting elements otherwise

[TopekaBob · 8/10 · 5 February 2022]

Eve Whitfield had her flaws - most notably falling in love with almost every guy she was assigned to watch (or so it seemed) - but Barbara Anderson was a fascinating actress. Elizabeth Bauer is just too young and inexperienced for the role of replacing Eve. So she's best when she's in the background.

Anyway, the episode is still good because it features some quirky elements (an odd, almost haunting song about growing up that plays while Fran is driving - very unusual for the show) and some fun appearances from two classic actors - M. Emmett Walsh, from "Blood Simple," and James Sikking, from Doogie Howser! Also, Christine Belford is nasty as the cruel family friend of Fran's and fun to watch.

Fran's "quite a girl"

[amorehl · 9/10 · 23 June 2023]

I generally dislike detective shows where the crime involves one of the regulars because I like them, and such scenarios usually involves inflicting pain &/or emotional distress upon them. But this was interesting, and a little different, perhaps because we spend the episode trying to figure out what the heck is even going on.

I was tipped off as to who was behind the hoax on Fran because I read the credits at the start and recognized Christine Belford's voice when she called Fran, pretending to be the operator. And when I saw on this site that James Sikking was playing "Voice Print Officer Jay," I figured Ironside would suss that out as well. From brother Ralph's reaction to the news that Bobby might not be dead, I was thinking he was in on it as well, but guessed he was primary and his sister secondary since the team kept hearing about an unknown, mysterious male. The bizarre next-door neighbor I was half convinced was a red herring since he was so obviously creepy. But, nope!, he was involved too.

Fran's kindness to Bobby's girlfriend from England was nice; it would be difficult to avoid blurting out the truth. I liked Ironside's last line: "Our girl's quite a girl." Overall, an enjoyable, engaging episode.

Odd episode

[kwebster-11879 · 5/10 · 13 November 2023]

Several episodes of different shows from the late 60s, early 70s had a weird tone to them. This was one of them. It was too early to be highlighting Fran in an episode. This was only about the 7th episode with her in the series. Might have worked better with Eve Whitfield (it was a real shame she felt the need to live the show). I found the episode a little difficult to follow, and quite frankly boring. In the end I found it too bizarre and for all the wrong reasons. I often wonder how often actors feel like a script is lame and they just have to go along with it contractually. This was one of those times. Really wasn't worth the hour.