Michael Fisher wrote this eerie tale about a maniac who leaves orchids by his victim's bodies, and not that far from the truth as there have been several documented cases of killers who did much the same. That's the scary part. Fisher, also a producer, was writing for STARSKY AND HUTCH at the time.
Betty, unfortunately, gets dragged into the mix, a similar fate that plagued Peggy for years on MANNIX. As I had noted about Peggy in past episodes, the same would apply to Betty. She should have been prepared, at least to have some self defense techniques (karate?) up her sleeve. That would have made for some classic scenes. Not to ever forget "resourceful" Mrs. Peel (Diana Rigg) on the AVENGERS!
The cast is stupendous. Kristoffer Tabori plays the suspected killer, who (surprise!) had served time in a mental hospital for the criminally insane. He's also about to inherit a fortune. Money, the root of all evil. Tabori was the son of actress Viveca Lindfors and director Don Siegel. Sondra Locke does a fine job as his close friend Alicia, a sister figure, who
helps him through this frightmare. Locke was soon on her way to stardom opposite Clint Eastwood.
Katherine Helmond, a few years before her comedy role on SOAP, plays Edna. Helmond had done some memorable work on MANNIX, which may have lead to this part. Tall, gray Regic Cordic plays Dr. Restin, generally cast as professionals. Cordic was both a Hollywood DJ and voice actor for years.
A neat mystery, again taking a cue from the first season's episodes, with a more psychological slant. Well directed by series regular Walter Grauman. SEASON 4 EPISODE 3 remastered CBS dvd box set.