User Reviews

When the episode begins, a masked man is attacking a woman in her home. Arlie sees it happening and he goes to the rescue. After breaking in the house to stop the assailant, the husband arrives and think Arlie was the attacker. But the woman can say nothing, as she was raped and murdered....and the town is in a lynch mob mentality...so Barnaby better work fast before things boil over.

The summary says that the accused, Arlie, is mentally challenged. Well, that's not quite right. The folks in town think he is....mostly because he stutters.

This is a very good and tense episode. However, considering the violent attacks, you might want to pass on this one if you have been through such an attack yourself. Now I don't think the show was gratuitous at all in how this was depicted....but it might be difficult for some to watch. Well made...well worth seeing.

The series at times had its violent moments, and this is one them. Writer Larry Alexander may have borrowed from CANNON, as he wrote for both series. Still, it's a very good story and with the inclusion of a suspect who is beset with mental issues.

Popular character actor Terry Kiser (WEEKEND AT BERNIES) plays Artie who gets caught up in the murder of a woman and stands accused in what looks like and open and shut case. Barnaby to the rescue.

There's also a prime cast, featuring young Anthony Geary (GENERAL HOSPITAL) as Deputy Jeffries and Clu Gulager as the sheriff, who is always terrific in any role he tackles. Sheila Larkin plays Dory, who would go on to a recurring role on the X FILES. Look for Elizabeth MacRae, best known for GOMER PYLE, as Lucy.

One interesting note concerns the opening of a window by the victim. There's a debate as to whether the crank handle would realistically be affected. It also depends on how cheap the handle is, right? Murphys Law. Windows have always posed a problem in mysteries, hence, sometimes its best to keep it all simple. Good call on the production notes people.

Not easy to figure out, so keep the late night coffee going. SEASON 4 EPISODE 23 remastered color CBS dvd box set.

Fun Fact!! Arlie becomes so inspired by Barnaby's cunning and Bettie's bravery in front of the killer, that he successfully overcomes his disability. He still feels the need to escape the town, and wants a new life. He changes his name to Bernie Lomax and moves to New York. He becomes a successful financier and insurance broker, and eventually has enough money to buy one of the finest beach houses on Long Island. But his lavish lifestyle catches up with him, and he then resorts to defrauding life insurance policies. He goes as far as trying to kill the young guys who uncover his scheme, but instead meets his own demise. Yet, everyone still had a great weekend at Bernie's.