157. The Eye Of The Needle

Eugene Fordyce, Paul Menard, James Lee Vaughn: Extortion.

Original air date: 24 January 1971.

The good inspector rescues a wealthy surgeon from extortionists, hunting him down in the wilderness. This episode plays just like The Fugitive (1963-67), especially the ending. Even the pursued, Dr. Herbert Barth (played by Richard Kylie), is a pediatrician.

The difference? Inspector Lewis Erskine and his associates are chasing after the extortionists, not the doctor! This is a well-done episode. The action sequences take place in the mountains of Washington State, and there are additional scenes in Utah.

• NOTE: FBI Carousel Bulletin: Leo G. Morrell steps in for one episode as Supervisor Al McClure. The part was intially played by Robert Patten.
• No cars of interest, but two helicopters. The one with FAA registration number N9055 cannot be identified. The other is a Bell Jet Ranger. It is probably registration number N7873S seen in the episode "Boomerang."
• Byron Keith, who acted with Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in 77 Sunset Strip, makes a guest appearance here. He also played the role of Mayor Lindseed in Batman.