John Rim: Escaped Federal Prisoner—Unlawful Interstate Flight to Avoid Confinement—Murder.
Original air date: 31 December 1967
This episode was not rerun
Quicksand, an alligator-infested swamp, and a vicious backwood town protect an escaped killer being sought by the F.B.I. Good episode and a good way to close out 1967!
We see John Rim killing an elderly man in the opening to the episode. It is evident he is a a nasty one. However, people in the region admire him for having saved the lives a bus load of school children.
- Wayne Rogers also plays in this as Johnny Rim’s brother, Frank, lusting after Johnny’ wife. Mr. Rogers often played villains, but here he ends up helping the Feds.
- Ford Rainey (1908-2005) once again makes an appearance here. He died on 25 July 2005, not quite 97 years young!
- One continuity blooper: At the end of Act IV, Inspector Erskine is covered with quicksand goo. At the start of the Epilogue, he is wearing clean clothing. A strange thing to mar an otherwise excellent episode.
The Crimestoppers Segment
Beginning with this episode, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. would step out of his role as Inspector Erskine, and give a monthly report on criminals wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This would continue on through to the end of the series.
This segment would be a major influence on future shows, notably America’s Most Wanted, starring John Walsh. The most famous criminal listed in this segment was James Earl Ray, convicted killer of Martin Luther King.
Credits:
Directed by: Alvin Ganzer
Written by: Andy Lewis
Performer | Role
- Tom Skerritt | John Clarence Rim
- Katherine Justice | Lilli Rim
- Wayne Rogers | Frank Rim
- Hugh Reilly | SRA Leon Butler
- Royal Dano | Newman
- Ralph Moody | Swyer
- Ford Rainey | Greer
- Richard O’Brien | Sheriff Goddard