I agree with the last reviewer that Joe and Peggy bickering is something to see! Not happy campers. It may have been an attempt to develop her character, now revealing she is the widow of a cop and is a young mom. Bottom line, this story is actually a "bad day" for both Mannix and Peggy. One interesting note is that Peggy still called Joe Mr. Mannix. That would be dumped soon, and with good reason.
This time around, Joe has the tough luck task proving a man he helped convict for embezzlement is innocent. This is a prime example of one of those "complex" episodes you have to literally take notes on. Sutton Roley directed, who would do many more stories, and gets what he wants from a great cast. John Colicos (usually at home playing the villain) has a sympathetic role for a change. He would appear in about one episode per season for the series. Of course for STAR TREK buffs he is best known as the first Klingon, which he also assisted in creating facial features and the costume.
None other than Cloris Leachman plays his ex-wife, and in a very good role. What many don't know is that in her extraordinary career she appeared in one of the first, if not "the first" tv detective shows called CHARLIE WILDE as his secretary Effie, around 1950 in New York. Super trivia question.
Veteran Marie Windsor plays the wife of Mr. Timpkins (Paul Stevens), though with a blonde wig. Look closely or you will not recognize her! She rivaled Beverly Garland in noir and sci fi films of the 50s and was always popping up on tv. Casting people loved them both.
There's a crazy skid row bar scene in which Joe passes out and among the patrons is Noble "Kid" Chissel, playing a bum, a 1930s boxing star who would do other bits on the show. We also get a glimpse of Peggy's son, Toby, played by Mark Stewart, who was a hero to all of us kids back in the day. Some bios indicate Stewart, later called Stew, became a musician in his career.
Something for all here, but watch it closely... SEASON 2 EPISODE 9 remastered CBS dvd box set.