User Reviews

FROM IMDB TRIVIA: This episode is a continuation of a Cannon episode. The Barnaby Jones DVD box set includes both parts 1 & 2 as originally aired whereas the Cannon DVD box set includes only part 1 with an alternate ending that brings the episode to a conclusion.

"The Deadly Conspiracy" is a very peculiar two-part TV show. This is because BOTH Frank Cannon and Barnaby Jones are working the same case....just from different sides. What makes it even more unusual is that part one was shown on "Cannon" and part two on "Barnaby Jones". Weird, huh?

So is this merger any good? Yes, although I felt a bit cheated that the episode I just watched is NOT what happened in the part two that was aired on the "Barnaby Jones" TV show. Well worth seeing regardless.

Cannon's best friend has been murdered. The friends father happens to be retired detective Barnaby Jones. When the two get together Cannon's roar. An entertaining episode.

You have to admit, William Conrad and Buddy Ebsen made a good team. Cannon would work the streets while Barnaby would assemble the clues. If you're old enough, you may remember the clever CBS publicity stunt as the first half of this mystery was aired on CANNON Wednesday night, followed by the must see conclusion on BARNABY JONES Thursday night. It worked well, and both series may have picked up on this idea from the crossover between MARCUS WELBY and OWEN MARSHALL, who did the same thing a few years earlier.

The series premier episode actually had Barnaby meeting Cannon for the very first time, who would assist him in solving the murder of his son. This time around, they are united but working on different sides of the same case. Now that's a twist.

Charles Durning portrays one of the worst villains, responsible for a rape and murder, leading to a perfect frame for an innocent delivery man. Cannon takes the case in his defense, while Barnaby believes the man is guilty.

There's also a bizarre scene (not seen in this episode) where they have to tackle a gigantic woman wrestler. If I am not mistaken, Cannon and Barnaby have no weapons. That scene was re-run many times to promote both shows. Everybody talked about it in high school, it was so outrageous, but well acted. It's a shame it's not included in this episode as it's a tv first.

The supporting cast, as usual, is dynamic, headed by Barry Sullivan. Also Murray Hamilton and Hayden Rourke. There's also a Warner Brothers connection. Buddy Ebsen did some tv work at WB, before the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, so he and William Conrad probably knew each other years ago.

If you are a tv buff, there are a lot of photos still in circulation of this episode, both William Conrad and Buddy Ebsen in various promo shots. I only wish they had a shot of them facing the insane wrestler.

Campy stuff.

Recommended. SEASON 5, EPISODE 2 remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 7 dvds. 2016 release.