I agree with the last reviewer, this episode should definitely be seen for two of the finest screen villains, though one does an about-face. Anthony Zerbe returns as a former priest (of all things!) who is being stalked by a hitman due to the fact that somebody spilled the beans about a murder to him. Shades of Alfred Hitchcock's I CONFESS. He tells Mannix that his life really wasn't in danger until he left the priesthood, thus giving up his sacred vow of silence.
None other than premier bad guy Geoffrey Lewis enters the picture as the hitman. Lewis was a welcome outlaw (who had that shifty guy look) in both films and cop shows, having recently appeared on CANNON, much like Zerbe. Oliver Crawford wrote this story, who had a hand in many tv classics, such as STAR TREK, THE FUGITIVE and BEN CASEY. He began his career in the 50s with TERRY AND THE PIRATES, which in its day was a terrific radio show.
Well directed by Alf Kjellin, who had finished an episode of IRONSIDE, concentrating more on cop shows. We also get a glimpse of 1950s bad girl Fay Spain, who first appeared on the show during the first season. This would be one of her last tv roles. Her final film appearance came at the top, playing Hyman Roth's wife in the GODFATHER, PART II (1974).
Also Stacy Keach's talented father, Stacy, Sr., plays the wise elder priest. That beautiful church in the background is the legendary Precious Blood Catholic Church of Los Angeles, constructed entirely of concrete due to the marshy, muddy area when it was first built. It's actually not too far from Dodger Stadium, and used a lot by Paramount TV. Add this to your late night watch list with cookies (lots).
Episode 2 from SEASON 6. CBS remastered color dvd box set.