User reviews

The ending's rather odd, but the episode's full of series color. Get a load of the seedy characters that come and go. How about the down-and-outer who's memorizing the encyclopedia so he can win big on a TV quiz show. Too bad the shows have gone off the air thanks to a cheating scandal on Twenty-One (1956-58). Then there's the bar scene where the barfly suddenly pops up from behind the register. Director Altman (yes, that Robert Altman) could have ended the scene in a routine cut-away. Instead he has the cheaply duded-out hooker enter so that the scene ends on a colorful note. And how about that flophouse where Wall Street investing gets discussed by two derelicts. What a hoot.

Oh yes, forgot the plot. Something about a criminal kingpin faking his death so that the cops will close the books on him. Pete's hired by the guy's bail bondsman to safeguard the hundred-thousand dollar bond the kingpin owes him. Anyway, Edie (Albright) fans should look elsewhere since there's no cuddling here. It's all business. My only gripe is that the fine actress Jean Willes as the kingpin's wife is underused. In fact, aspects of the entry, including the sudden ending, make me think some backing and filling went on during the production. Nonetheless, it's well worth tuning in.