Barnaby Jones (TV Series) The Killing Defense (1973) User Reviews

An evil attorney...I never could have imagined such a thing!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 7 July 2021]

While I am sure many won't believe the plot because of the stellar reputation of lawyers, but in "The Killing Defense", an evil defense attorney (Leslie Nielsen) has conspired with the wife of one of his clients to murder the client! But after doing the deed and the man is missing, Barnaby is called in on the case to find him or find out what has happened to him.

This is a very interesting episode because Barnaby is even more tricky than usual. In other words, he plays mind games with the lawyer and widow to drive them apart...and it makes for an excellent episode. Well worth seeing.

By the way, for the 3rd or 4th time, Betty is taken hostage in this one. It sure seems like she should find a better job, as like Peggy from "Mannix", she's too often in harm's way!

IF YOU DON'T STEAL THE JEWLERY, SOMEONE ELSE WILL!

[tcchelsey · 10/10 · 2 November 2023]

This is good. An excellent example of Leslie Nielsen playing the type of role that made him famous, long before comedy. He portrays a sly as a fox defense attorney who is connected to a murder and millions of dollars in missing jewels. How convenient! His partner in crime is none other than Marj Dusay (as Gail), who is about as smooth as he is. These two play a terrific game with Barnaby, though you know he's onto to them.

Guest star is versatile Linda Watkins, playing Mrs. Marova, actually a lot younger than she appears. Linda was a master of characters and voices, beginning her career in radio. She worked at Warner Brothers tv on many top shows, such as HAWAIIN EYE and also for Boris Karloff's tv show, THRILLER. Prior to this episode, she guested on MANNIX. She is a treat to watch.

Old pro Dick Nelson wrote this episode, who did many campy episodes for ALIAS SMITH AND JONES, later writing for TJ HOOKER.

Honorable mention goes to actor Francis De Sales, who plays a reservationist. Francis appeared in tons of tv shows, usually in dramatic roles, also associated with OZZIE AND HARRET and MR AND MRS. NORTH.

Don't miss the classic scene -- with a few chuckles --as Barnaby turns the tables on Gail, making her believe her rotten boyfriend is dating Barnaby's daughter in law. Very clever stuff.

Watch this for villainous, as bad as they come Leslie, and catch the ending. SEASON 2 EPISODE 11 remastered CBS dvd box set.