Clifford Wade
BANK ROBBERY • ESCAPED FEDERAL PRISONER
Original air date: 17 September 1972
Rerun 8 April 1973
The FBI receives a strong start for its eighth season, especially with its supporting cast. They read like a “Who’s Who” of 1970s television:
- Robert Urich (Vegas, Spenser: For Hire)
- David Soul (Here Come The Brides, Starsky and Hutch)
- Jim Davis (Dallas)
Inspector Erskine trails an escaped federal prisoner (David Soul) who abducted a young girl and vanishes into the Oregon wilderness. The athlete knows the terrain well, which means the inspector is forced to anticipate his moves. Oh, and there’s an abduction and chase scenes. Inspector Erskine and a special agent also parachute in the area where the criminal is running (see below).
This was the first new episode to air after J. Edgar Hoover’s death four months prior, and this season debut has a slightly different opening sequence. This sequence provided a preview of the episode, then the titles and credits, and then the text stating the crime. Season 9, one year later, would be much the same, except that it uses the original Season 1 theme and an expanded, updated titling sequence.
Jim Davis, who guest starred in this episode, often played Western characters. He was well known for his potrayal of John Ross (Jock) Ewing in the TV series Dallas from 1978 to 1981.
Overall, a fine start to the season.
Credits:
Directed by: Lawrence Dobkin
Written by: Jack Turley
Performer | Role
- Jim Davis | Ellis Bengston
- Robert Urich | Davie Stroud
- David Soul | Clifford Wade
- Lou Frizzell | Coach Dan Everett
- Belinda Montgomery | Margo Bengston
- Arch Whiting | S. A. Glenn White
- Bard Stevens | Officer
- Duane Gray | Gas Station Owner
- Marie Denn | Ranch Wife
- Colin G. Male | Sargeant
- J.H. Lawrence | Logan