Case file: #91-77270-X
Wayne Everett Powell: Bank Robbery, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Motor Vehicle.
Original broadcast date: 10 October 1965
In a rare human episode, Barbara Erskine and Jim Rhodes set their wedding date-a move strongly opposed by Barbara’s father, Inspector Lewis Erskine, whose wife died in an F.B.I. shootout. These personal interactions between the lead characters would fade over time.
This episode was even more unusual. First, no special guest stars were announced. It was pretty much assumed Inspector Erskine would catch the criminal. It was the human drama that stands out here. This episode reminds one of the 1959 movie, The FBI Story. This episode remains one of the best episodes of the entire series.
- Additionally, this episode can be seen as a harbinger of the upcoming Batman series. Pete Duel, as Wayne Everett Powell, wears a False Face mask. He predates Malachi Throne by five months.
- Furthermore, the woman who played Catwoman in the 1966 Batman movie, Lee Meriwether, shows up here as Inspector Erskine’s love interest. The interaction is superb.
- Speaking of which, one of the exchanges goes as follows:
Lee Meriwether: It’s a bird, it’s a plane .
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.: It’s Super Agent!
- We find out that Inspector Lewis Erskine’s wife’s name was Ruth.
- We also discover that Inspector Erskine can enunciate French words impeccably!
- Pete Duel (1940-71) had a supporting role in Gidget, which also aired on ABC in 1965-66. Born in Rochester, NY, Mr. Duel (born Pete Deuel) would finally hit his stride in the 1971-73 ABC series Alias Smith and Jones. He took his life at the end of 1971. Mr. Duel also appeared in the 10 December 1967 episode, ” False Witness.” His younger brother, Geoffrey Deuel, appeared four times on The FBI.
- First appearance of Harold Gould. Gould, born in Schenectady, New York in 1923, would make various appearances on The FBI during its long run. Also, the first appearance of many for veteran actor Dabney Coleman as well.
- First appearance of the 1957 Ford Ranchero (yellow/white). In the opening scene, it is parked with the tailgate towards the camera. Wayne Everett Powell drives in a 1960 Ford two-door sedan.
Credits
Directed by: William A. Graham
Written by: Charles Larson
Performer | Role
- Pete Duel (as Pete Deuel) | Wayne Everett Powell
- Harold Gould | David Rice
- Dabney Coleman (as Dabney Colemen) | Ira Barker
- Crahan Denton | Wayne Powell Sr.
- June Dayton | Thelma
- Amy Fields | Jean
- Barbara Baldavin | Mrs. Harron
- Lee Meriwether | Joanna Laurens
- S. John Launer | Werth
- Lew Brown | Firearms Technician