Tribute to Sally Kellerman, who passed in 2022.
One thing you had better get used to with this series were the sudden appearance (and out of the blue!) of many of Joe's former gal pals. CANNON would have the same issues a few years later. Surprise!
That all said, there were an absolutely terrific line of actresses to play these roles. Case in point, Sally Kellerman, cast as Diana. She and Joe apparently had a relationship that went south, but now she desperately needs his help. Sutton Roley directed this episode and handled the cast well. He compiled a lengthy list of classic shows, such as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and HAWAII FIVE O.
What also makes this story go is John Randolph, an unforgettable actor. Here, he plays Diana's father, an influential newspaper publisher --who thinks she's slowly losing her mind. There's a lot to throw into the mix, include some nasty characters Diana's involved with. This comes off as a noir, thanks to writer Ben Roberts, who also was the series producer. Roberts penned such movie classics as MIDNIGHT LACE and PORTRAIT IN BLACK with Lana Turner. The only critique here is that he made this story rather complex, so you have to watch it very carefully to connect the dots. It probably would have panned out smoother had it been a full length movie, get it?
I agree with the last reviewer, yet another episode where Joe should have gotten killed. If Ben Roberts wrote it, you know it's gonna' be tough.
The beach chase scene with Mannix chasing Diana, who is about to jump off a cliff, is outstanding, and well directed by Sutton Roley. Catch Whit Bissell, another fine actor, usually cast as doctors or businessmen, playing a chain-smoking ex-convict with an axe to grind. Veteran actor John Archer plays a judge.
You have to see Mannix in a bow tie and then you've seen it all. By the way, lots of drinking and smoking, 60s style.
Prior to this role, Sally Kellerman appeared in the BOSTON STRANGLER (1968), the next stop was stardom in M. A. S. H., and an Oscar nomination. At the time she was enormously popular on tv.
Nearing the end of SEASON 2. Episode 23 remastered CBS dvd box set.