PART II. The adventure continues, and this is the episode that, to a degree, sorts things out. Should you be keeping studious notes. As I have said, Chester Krumholz, one terrific writer of cop shows, did get carried away with the plot. There is no question. And best get used to it. This will be a common "thread" in the series (and with many other writers) lots of twists and turns to nowhere... but it's the slam, bang action that rules, at least to all of us kids back in the day.
I agree with the last reviewer that Dana Elcar (as Fred, Edna's husband) truly has a standout role. Beverly Garland (as Edna), in the meanwhile, turns out to be the real mystery woman. She is perfect for this type of role, desperatation to the max.
You may also want to tag this an adventure slash soap opera-MANNIX style, largely due to the fact that there are so many moving parts and surprises.
The final boat shootout is classic, again a credit to director Leonard J. Horn, who worked his craft and probably labored through at least a few choice takes.
If you watch this scene carefully, it is an exercise in gymnastics, Mike Connors to be congratulated for doing many of his own stunts. It has been said many times, that acting is also movement, and sometimes an actor's physical requirements or limitations thereof, could either make or break a role.
In closing, a special nod to Antoinette Bower (as Gail), playing Joe's love interest (hence the soap opera element) and yes, not just another pretty face. I also agree that Antoinette was quite comparable in style to Diana Muldaur, which is a true compliment as many actresses could not cross that bridge, not only in MANNIX, but so many other cop shows of the period. The popular British-American actress began her career as a DJ in Toronto, and is still around today in her early 90s, but long retired.
Best for the last, and for true film completists. Master stuntman Bob Herron has a small role as a seaman. Bob doubled for such stars as Jackie Gleason, Ernest Borgnine, both Robert Conrad and Ross Martin in the WILD, WILD WEST, and that's just a fraction of his many years in Hollywood. A real American hero.
Worth some late night pizza after its all over.
SEASON 1 remastered CBS dvd box set.