This was the first official "big case" for JR, and it was about time for the junior detective to strut his stuff. Of course, we all had faith in JR, a street saavy kid and fairly cool guy in his own right.
This is familiar story, still very good, all about a young man called Tom (played by Peter Coffield), with debilitating mental issues who is talked into thinking he actually killed someone. It's all cleverly linked to a group of master thieves, headed by none other than Michael V. Gazzo. Gazzo is best remembered for playing Frankie in THE GODFATHER, PART II, and so many other over the top gangsta's.
Good support from Renne Jarrett (as Peggy), who also appeared on THE EDGE OF NIGHT and had her own series in the early 70s, called NANCY. Peter Coffield is missed, a popular actor in the 70s, appearing in the W. E. B. Tv series, who passed after a long illness in 1983.
Yes, I agree with the last reviewer. We all get a final glimpse of the ever famous Pike Amusement Park at Long Beach, a beachfront landmark for decades, which would be razed for a new chapter of businesses. And the abandoned setting is kind of creepy. The park was also frequently seen on episodes of CANNON and MANNIX.
Well written by Calvin Clements, Jr., later producer for DALLAS and MATT HOUSTON.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 15 remastered CBS/Paramount box set.