Barnaby Jones (TV Series) Anatomy of Fear (1977) User Reviews

Well made...but tough to watch.

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 29 July 2021]

"Anatomy of Fear" is an episode that might be very tough for some folks to watch, as the show is about some robbers who also enjoy raping and terrorizing their victims. The show does handle this very tastefully and there is no gratuitous sexuality...but for some, this episode might be very difficult to watch. So, think twice before you watch.

The episode involves one of Betty's friends....and I've noticed if you are one of her friends or family members, BAD things are probably going to happen to you! In this case, a friend has been raped and robbed. Here's the kicker...after she reported it to the police, the gang returned and raped and robbed her again to 'teach her a lesson'! Not surprisingly, she's terrified and does NOT want to go to the police. Naturally, Barnaby and his posse go in search of these scum.

Paul Kaslo plays the worst of the worst of these guys...the one who delights in raping and terrifying his victims. He looks crazed and very dangerous...and he really played this part well. His is one of the more amazing performances I've seen on the show...talk about looking and acting menacing!!

Overall, this is among the best episodes and I applaud the writer for NOT making this about sex and that they handled this tough topic in a classy manner. Not to be missed...provided the subject matter isn't too intense for you. You might want to think twice about seeing this one.

BARNABY AND JR ON ONE TOUGH CASE.

[tcchelsey · 10/10 · 21 February 2024]

Following the previous dark comedy episode, this story packs a wallop. True, it's difficult to watch, but nevertheless directed with style by Walter Grauman. I think if any other director handled this, it would be quite graphic.

Barnaby takes on the case of one of Betty's friends who is both the victim of a robbery and rape. The horrible thing of it all is that because she told the police, the fiend (played by Paul Koslo) returned to rape her. Fairly potent stuff. I agree with the last reviewer, if you are one of Betty's pals, you're in deep trouble. This idea may have been borrowed from MANNIX, whose friends were also in for a rough ride or murder.

If Koslo looks familiar, it's because he appeared in movies starring John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson. An incredible acting resume. Two super actresses here, Brooke Bundy (as Sharon), everywhere on tv at the time, and Priscilla Pointer, as Mrs. Cunningham, a fabulous actress in her own right, who turns 100 this year.

For all us movie buffs, catch Billy Benedict from the BOWERY BOYS, playing Mike. Casting directors loved Billy, our hero.

Gerald Sanford wrote this very dramatic episode, and a record 20 others. Later known for CHIPS and the F. B. I, many more. SEASON 5 EPISODE 19 remastered CBS/Paramount.