Full of sentimentality, this episode follows Harry around Los Angeles as he tries to help his ex-wife simultaneously pay off a blackmailer and avoid a murder rap, against the backdrop of a heartbreak story of two people in love who can't live together.
The story begins with Harry's former partner from the San Diego Police Department getting murdered in a motel room in Los Angeles. Harry's ex-wife Elizabeth is somehow involved. Through flashbacks, Harry recalls their happy courtship but also her dissatisfaction with his police work. The present-day story is about finding out who murdered Harry's partner John. The evidence leads to Elizabeth, who had hired John to be the go-between to pay off her blackmailer. It also involves Elizabeth's current husband, who's about to be appointed to the state supreme court. Harry ultimately tracks down the blackmailer and saves the day.
Harry Orwell was a wonderfully fleshed out character. His scenes with Elizabeth, with Lt. Trench, and even with John's wife Jessie provide insight and details about him. And actor David Janssen's portrayal was a thing to behold.
What's eventually revealed is that Elizabeth had to make the hard decision of leaving Harry because his job was coming between them. She cares deeply for Harry, and with hindsight, seems to regret giving up on their life together. Throughout the episode, we sense Harry's sadness over his failed marriage. And in the end, he watches her walk away from him again, and silently and somberly looks down in thought.