The party having now reached their agreed destination, after having overcome many serious obstacles to their survival, it would seem to be a time for some warmth, some healing, some relaxation, some reduced tension, some kindness, some love, and some enjoyment of life. But such is not the case. Instead they encounter a dangerous psychotic neighbor, continued bitter cold, danger lurking in the woods, and evidence of unknown military activity. Given the depiction of the military presence at the lake, one can assume that the Kremlin and Beijing did not want to see an unmonitored continuation of this storyline.
Reviews
31 Reviews
Supporting Cast
11 December 2022
Feeling the impending crunch of gambling debt, Mr. Toby approaches Mr. Lucky to void a bet on the day before the subject foreign election, which appears to be another big loss. Despite hearing the desperate pleas from a gambler who should know better, Lucky holds firm and declines to cancel the bet. After being rebuffed, Toby seeks another course of action and hires a hitman and enlists the aid of his girlfriend to lure Lucky away from Fortuna II. The hitman is portrayed by Leo Gordon, one of the toughest character actors Hollywood ever had, and the girlfriend Evelyn is portrayed by Joi Lansing, an absolutely lovely blonde. Good casting!
What about Land Ownership?
25 May 2022
OK, so the Wayne Tillerson wants 600 acres of the west pasture because of a boundary error in the 19th century and the Abbotts have had it in their control for over 100 years. Then a prospective lawyer tells Royal Abbott to just turn over the 600 acres to cut his losses! Why was there no discussion with Abbott about the State of Wyoming and the law as to Adverse Possession? It sure seems to me that the weight of Wyoming law is with the Abbotts!
An Alternative Closing
15 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Peter Gunn and Edie are making a dinner salad when he is taken by McCutchen voluntarily to confer with an unidentified potential client. Edie is quite annoyed by another interruption and turns away from his parting kiss. Sadly, that is the last we see her, but she does leave him an after dinner note.
At the mansion of the billionaire Carlyle, Gunn learns that a girl named Maren will try to extract $1 million in a blackmail scheme for some undisclosed documents, which Carlyle wants secured.
Fortunately, Maren is having a party at her place that evening.. While the guests are downstairs waiting for the hostess, Gunn conducts a search and finds her dead. No documents are found. After a trip to McCutchen's house, the pieces finally are put together at Carlyle's office.
This series finale, while providing screen time to its executives in a disjointed storyline, could have provided its faithful audience with better closure. Some TV shows in the years to come did better than this. Perhaps this glaring omission in the series was in itself another contribution from Peter Gunn, but I am quite perturbed by the way the series finale closed. Let me propose an alternative closing.
PETER: (Upon entering) Hi, Honey. I'm glad that you returned to help me finish my dinner. I'm quite hungry. (Moving closer to hold her shoulders from behind) The case worked out well. (Kissing the side of her neck) Carlyle is now in custody and I earned a big fee up front. (Turning to face her and to deliver a kiss on her forehead) I'm very sorry I had to leave at such an inopportune time. It is not fair to you and I apologize.
EDIE: Pete, I just miss you terribly at times. Like I said in my note: I love you. Do you love being with any of the women you meet while working a case?
PETER: Now that's a Silly question. (A kiss on her cheek)
EDIE: Pete, have you loved any of these women that you meet?
PETER: That's another Silly question. (A kiss on her other cheek)
EDIE: Pete, did you ever see Gone With the Wind?
PETER: Sure, Silly. It won some Academy Awards. (A kiss on her nose)
EDIE: Pete, do you remember Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara?
PETER: I sure do, Silly. (A short kiss on her lips)
EDIE: Then would you please pick me up and carry me away!
PETER: You're not being silly anymore! (Whereupon he picks her up to carry her as the scene fades)
At the mansion of the billionaire Carlyle, Gunn learns that a girl named Maren will try to extract $1 million in a blackmail scheme for some undisclosed documents, which Carlyle wants secured.
Fortunately, Maren is having a party at her place that evening.. While the guests are downstairs waiting for the hostess, Gunn conducts a search and finds her dead. No documents are found. After a trip to McCutchen's house, the pieces finally are put together at Carlyle's office.
This series finale, while providing screen time to its executives in a disjointed storyline, could have provided its faithful audience with better closure. Some TV shows in the years to come did better than this. Perhaps this glaring omission in the series was in itself another contribution from Peter Gunn, but I am quite perturbed by the way the series finale closed. Let me propose an alternative closing.
PETER: (Upon entering) Hi, Honey. I'm glad that you returned to help me finish my dinner. I'm quite hungry. (Moving closer to hold her shoulders from behind) The case worked out well. (Kissing the side of her neck) Carlyle is now in custody and I earned a big fee up front. (Turning to face her and to deliver a kiss on her forehead) I'm very sorry I had to leave at such an inopportune time. It is not fair to you and I apologize.
EDIE: Pete, I just miss you terribly at times. Like I said in my note: I love you. Do you love being with any of the women you meet while working a case?
PETER: Now that's a Silly question. (A kiss on her cheek)
EDIE: Pete, have you loved any of these women that you meet?
PETER: That's another Silly question. (A kiss on her other cheek)
EDIE: Pete, did you ever see Gone With the Wind?
PETER: Sure, Silly. It won some Academy Awards. (A kiss on her nose)
EDIE: Pete, do you remember Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara?
PETER: I sure do, Silly. (A short kiss on her lips)
EDIE: Then would you please pick me up and carry me away!
PETER: You're not being silly anymore! (Whereupon he picks her up to carry her as the scene fades)
The Gaping Hole
9 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The death of Ralph Vincent (Whitmore) at the conclusion of "A Gift for a Warrior" leaves more that just a few loose ends. It leaves a gaping hole as to its impact on his young widow Norma and his surprise-son Eric, who was fathered in Germany during WWII.
Given his active farming business and his land holdings, Ralph may well have had considerable wealth at the time of his very recent wedding to Norma. It would not be a surprise that he died without making a will or having a trust. There is nothing to suggest that there were any post-nuptial property transfers or community property, and there is no indication that Ralph had any other children. Therefore, under the law of California Intestate Succession, Norma would be entitled to one-half of the net estate and Eric the other half. Rather than manage his half interest in an American farm at age 18Y, Eric would likely settle up, cash out, and return to Deutschland.
Given his active farming business and his land holdings, Ralph may well have had considerable wealth at the time of his very recent wedding to Norma. It would not be a surprise that he died without making a will or having a trust. There is nothing to suggest that there were any post-nuptial property transfers or community property, and there is no indication that Ralph had any other children. Therefore, under the law of California Intestate Succession, Norma would be entitled to one-half of the net estate and Eric the other half. Rather than manage his half interest in an American farm at age 18Y, Eric would likely settle up, cash out, and return to Deutschland.
Continued Hostilities
13 March 2022
While they are camping in the Great Outdoors of a New Mexico State Game Refuge, Tod spots a deer being illegally targeted by a hunter, Hump (Gene Evans), and then quickly honks the Vet's horn to frighten away the young doe. Full of rage, Hump fires his rifle, charges the campsite, and shoots out 2 Vet tires before leaving the scene. If you would think that this would not be the end of hostilities, you would be right. Fisticuffs won't solve any problems here. Evans portrays the biggest SOB in the series thus far. The episode is recommended to be seen with that understanding.
Joey Heatherton
7 March 2022
In watching the entire Route 66 series chronologically, I preview the acting credits for each episode and just had to see the first IMDb entry for Joey Heatherton at age 16Y. One could imagine her star development with experience over time. Overall, my expectations for the usual Route 66 content in the episode were met. Thank you.
The Trial
(2019– )
Two Suggestions: Hair and Appeal
21 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed following the development of this show, but have two suggestions: 1) Elena's hair was just awful. It was just not fitting for a professional person, especially in a courtroom setting.. I found it unpleasantly distracting. 2) For the benefit of viewers familiar with the concept of Double Jeopardy, it should have been mentioned that an appeal and retrial in Italy is possible with the discovery of significant new evidence.
Zbrodnia
(2014– )
Identical Twins?
8 February 2022
Those who have referenced the Swedish series "The Sandhamn Murders" are correct in that its similarity with the Polish series "Zbrodnia" is remarkable. The first episode of the Swedish series was released in Sweden in December, 2010, and now has 26 subsequent episodes; it does not appear that it was released in Poland. The first episode of the Polish series was released in Poland in October, 2014, and now has only 5 subsequent episodes; it does not appear that it was released in Sweden.
I viewed the first 3 episodes of each series and was surprised how closely the Polish version followed the script. Even the head resting on her partner's shoulder while waiting for Ewa to show up was the same! Other than the names of the places and characters, biggest difference between the 2 versions was that the son of the poacher in the Polish version fled the police by motorcycle instead of on a boat as shown in the Swedish version.
The credits don't show a connection between the 2 versions, except they are derived from the book. Was there a tacit understanding or permission? Were rights obtained? My question is whether the relationship between the 2 countries and their artistic communities is one of symbiosis or hostility. Someone please elucidate!
I viewed the first 3 episodes of each series and was surprised how closely the Polish version followed the script. Even the head resting on her partner's shoulder while waiting for Ewa to show up was the same! Other than the names of the places and characters, biggest difference between the 2 versions was that the son of the poacher in the Polish version fled the police by motorcycle instead of on a boat as shown in the Swedish version.
The credits don't show a connection between the 2 versions, except they are derived from the book. Was there a tacit understanding or permission? Were rights obtained? My question is whether the relationship between the 2 countries and their artistic communities is one of symbiosis or hostility. Someone please elucidate!
Troy: Fall of a City
(2018– )
Another retelling of the Fall of Troy
13 May 2021
Those who have complained about the deviations of this N-series from Homer's Iliad should check and find that deviations have been made by many authors of versions of the Fall of Troy over the centuries! With many of the key elements retained, the story retained its character as an unfolding tragedy on many levels. As shown by my 8-rating, I was favorably impressed. Good Show!
Death Valley
(1946)
Gold Obsession
28 January 2020
While working as a cow puncher, Jim Ward decides to cash out and buy from Duke a map to an old Indian mine at Twin Peak Mountain. After trekking there on foot, he meets the cantankerous Silas Bagley and his lovely daughter Joan, who work a mine as partners. Note: the bios of Nat Pendleton (Jim) and Helen Gilbert (Joan) are worth reading. They have a nearby cabin, an unexplained comfortable supply of food and water, and an older copy of the same map to an admittedly worthless mine. Nevertheless, Jim searches for the big gold strike and later accompanies Joan to San Francisco to find out that his ore samples are worthless. Joan's jointly held claim is sold for $5,000 in gold coins; she figures it is safe in Jim's hands. You just know that it will prove to be a fatal error and it is. Jim seeks to retrieve the gold coins and resume mining operations with their new friend Steve, a sailor with a small pet monkey. Finding more gold is a serious challenge to the relationship between Jim and Steve, and it ultimately determines Joan's future. Despite the sometimes garbled audio and choppy video of the YouTube version, I would suggest that it is worth viewing, just to see Pendleton and Gilbert.
Wolves of the Range
(1943)
Struggling Ranchers
27 January 2020
As a novice banker, Dan Brady seeks to assist ranchers struggling under severe drought conditions. Noting the bank's effectiveness in helping the ranchers, but not his own ambitious plans, Harry Dorn wants to get rid of Brady. Now comes Jack Hammond to win a gunfight with Brady and be acquitted of murder. The ensuing run on the bank then threatens to bring financial disaster to the community, unless Rocky Cameron can timely deliver a cash infusion to the bank and overcome the efforts of Dorn's gang to stop him. Note that the early appearance of the Lone Rider showed Rocky wearing a black eye mask and riding a white horse, trademarks of the Lone Ranger. With this diverse subject matter, this film is worth consideration for viewing.
Westward Bound
(1930)
Situational Comedy
27 January 2020
A serious western this is not. Neither is it an Abbot and Costello adventure as rubes trying to be cowboys. Instead it evolves into a western strewn with serial comedic situations. As the son of a NY senator seeking reelection, Bob Lansing is sent back west with Ben after trying to protect Marge Holt in a night club. Driving around out in Montana, they manage to lose their stylish car and fine clothes. Eventually they are taken to a ranch, plagued by cattle rustlers and owned by none other than Ms. Holt, who recognizes Bob but covers her own identity from him. Somehow they must avoid being arrested and help protect the ranch from the rustlers. The humor in this film is based on their naivete and foolhardiness. I would recommend viewing it on that basis.
The Lone Ranger Story
(1955)
The Lone Ranger ab initio
31 December 2019
As a kid watching the episodes on television as often as I could, I heard occasional references to the beginning of The Lone Ranger, but never saw it. After some 60+ years, with the magic of a DVD, I have now seen all of it: the ambush, the appearance of Tonto, the mask, the horse Silver, the silver bullets, and the pursuit of the culprits. The William Tell Overture never sounded so good!
Disney update
18 December 2019
Unabashed in its comparison with Cinderella, the storyline eventually follows Cindy in her relationship with a demanding employer and a distant father as she seeks a break and discovery in Hollywood. The checklist of similarities progresses in a somewhat refreshing way as time on the episode clock approaches expiration. I began to wonder whether she would also lose a glass slipper.
Assisted living
11 December 2019
Since the release of this episode of Highway to Heaven, with the increase in the numbers of the American senior population, more families face having to decide whether to provide living arrangements for their seniors in their home or seek outside assisted living. In this episode's scenario, the Husband wants to keep his Father in the home and the Wife doesn't, while citing her increased family burdens. The path to the resolution of this dilemma and the solution itself were surprising and improbable. If it were my call, I would insist that the solution be more comprehensive and that the script be rewritten into 2 parts.
What You Preach
9 December 2019
The Rev. Stearns preaches that the listening members of his congregation should ask themselves what can they do to help. Their answers, however, should be put into practice by good deeds. His daughter, whom he has shunned, committed an unacceptable sin 9 years ago. Is the pastor capable of forgiveness in her time of need and help both his daughter and granddaughter?
Regrets
9 December 2019
If dwelled upon, life can be full of self-destructive regrets. I should have done this; I should not have done that. I should have said this; I should not have said that. Here Mark Gordon has the chance to go back to a period in his youth to do it over for both himself and his grandfather.
Murder Mystery
9 December 2019
How does Highway to Heaven deal with solving a murder case and righting the wrong? The motivation of Mark Gordon, the victim's buddy with a police background, is a good start. Add in the more than fortuitous discovery of a major clue. Finally, Heavenly Stuff, especially in the form of Holy Armor, concludes the case.
Stella
7 December 2019
This is must see TV for those interested in the evolution of the Mark Gordon character in this series. It is also recommended viewing for those who have enjoyed the work of the actress Stella Stevens. Initially wary of her while rehearsing for the movie being made, Gordon rather swiftly changes his outlook on his relationship with Stella. That leads to an unexpected conclusion.
Outlaw Bar
6 December 2019
Four years after the movie release of Urban Cowboy, Gordon and Smith enter the popular western themed Outlaw bar and discover a den of gambling corruption. Where's the Texas Two Step? Where's the Line Dancing? Will Patsy revive her career? Will Sara pursue a singing career? Will Nick dispense with Trudy, just as he did with her deceased husband? Will there be a bar brawl? What becomes of the bar? Gordon and Smith have a full plate assignment.
Take Back the Neighborhood
6 December 2019
Almost as a case study of dealing with petty crime in an urban neighborhood, regardless of the particular ethnic group, Gordon and Smith energize the class of victims to band together and confront the hoodlums. Notably absent in this setting were guns and drugs. After the final scenes was an interesting blend of some 1950's theme music.
Sequel
5 December 2019
Probably in a sequel compelled by popular demand, the series grapples with the fate of Jane Thompson from S2 Keep Smiling. The thought, time, and effort put into this production is quite evident and well done on multiple levels.
Buying real estate
4 December 2019
The Homeowners Association in Mission Estates seeks to limit the admission of new neighbors to just the "right people" without violating legal standards. As real estate brokers, Gordon & Smith show the house to the Piersons within view of Brad Bowman, who predictably acts to set up a board meeting to block the sale. The back story, however, would have interested me more. Did the cast, including Michael Landon, and the script writer have any discussions about who was to read the Riot Act, about the contents of the Riot Act, about the practice changing names for cosmetic purposes, and about the practice of living a double life?
Conflicting Interests
3 December 2019
Another user review is needed here because the episode was not as one sided as another alleged seven years ago.
There were several competing interests here with no obvious solution. The natural parents, having given both children safe haven in an orphanage, and having escaped a Vietnamese death camp and relocated to Singapore, longed to reunite their family. The adoptive parents, having raised both children for ten years in a good home, and having the belief that the natural parents of the boys were both deceased, wanted to maintain their family unit. The boys, wanting to stay together as brothers, were keenly aware that they could not satisfy both pairs of adults. Does anyone budge? What happens to them?
So do they go with their natural parents to Singapore and leave the roots of their last ten years behind? Or do they stay in place and dishonor and disappoint the couple who gave them life? Or do they split up, one going and one staying? An alternative not considered by the parties would have the natural parents relocating again, only this time to California!
My guess is that the writer, intrigued by an actual California custody case but constrained by the series format, was inspired to flesh out this emotional and well done story.
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