User Reviews

"Bad Cats and Sudden Death" is a very good episode--and a very good start to season two of "Cannon". However, I should also point out that one of the characters, the Assistant D.A., is an idiot and his character should have been written better. However, the story is original and interesting.

The show starts off with the Assistant D.A. (Michael Tolan) going to meet an informant. However, it soon becomes obvious that this was a ruse to get him out of his house and he is soon arrested for the murder of his wife. Someone killed the woman and framed the husband--but who? Well, Cannon is the one hired to get to the bottom of this and he gets a little bit of help from the Assistant D.A.'s secretary (Marj Dusay).

There isn't much to dislike about this excellent show other than the dumb Assistant D.A.. Late in the show, he really acts stupidly and sure did a lot to make himself look guilty. Fortunately, apart from that, the show was otherwise well written and acted. Worth seeing.

Premier episode for Season 2, which also marked CANNON'S big switch to Wednesday nights on CBS, taking MANNIX's 10pm spot. This was a gamble that paid off and was big tv news at the time. Cannon's ratings shot up immediately, making it one of if not the most watched shows in the middle of the week. Mannix covered Sunday nights, later joined by BARNABY JONES, going up against COLUMBO and winning.

This is good, thanks to prolific director Phil Leacock, who was also directing the WALTONS at the time, so this would be his only episode. It's a shame. Leacock later became excecutive producer for HAWAII FIVE O. The violence is toned down a bit, but featuring a top cast as always. Cannon comes to the aid of assistant DA Michael Tolan, who happens to be an old friend, accused of murdering his wife. Lovely Marj Dusay teams up with Cannon (and they make a terrific team) giving him a lift in her cool red Ford convertible. I will say again that producer Quinn Martin should have had Marj return in a semi-regular role. A missed opportunity. She was a STAR TREK alum and soap opera veteran, much in demand for years.

Robert Lewin wrote this story, likewise a STAR TREKKIE, and episodes for DAN AUGUST, featuring Burt Reynolds, before he became a star. Some familiar faces; Larry Linville and James Luisi, a trim villain. Comedian Savern Darden plays Sasha. Darden was also a dramatic actor, but his comedy work and sketches brought him wide acclaim. He has an excellent role here.

We also get a view of the sleek Sunkist Building in Sherman Oaks, an example "modern" art. The building, now called Citrus Commons apartments is very close to the Westfield Mall, a beautiful place to shop.

The ending has a MANNIX noir-ish feel, listen to the music. Also, watch the building roof where Cannon is chasing the killer (who we will not tell) --there are NO fences or rails, except for the pool! A long way down! Cannon gets a brand NEW Lincoln Mark IV, which will go through a lot in the years to come.

Cannon has a fitting large dessert at the close (which looks simply amazing!) while Marj looks on, and you can tell they're having fun. Probably shot at Studio City at one of the many cozy sidewalk cafes.

SEASON 2 CBS/Paramount remastered dvd box set No. 1 of 2. Three dvds per box, 10 hrs running time, 2009. The backside features a shot of the famous airplane explosion episode.

When Deputy District Attorney Michael Arnold is accused of murdering his wife, he calls on Cannon to help him. So-so entry that just meanders at times.