If this is not a mini classic story, what is? This is terrific material, written by series regular Robert Lenski, who also was writing for MANNIX and CANNON.
A salute to young Margot Kidder, who recently starred in her breakthrough film, SISTERS. She steals the show as a ruthless blackmailer ( Lori) of a wealthy race car driver (well played by Clu Gulager). The problem is that Gulager is not one to feel sorry for. He's guilty of murder, making it look like the victim died in a race crash --and Lori saw the whole thing. Before long, she wants it all.
It's one of those balancing the two evils, and which one is the worst of the lot. Pick your poison, and it's neat to see Barnaby take this one apart, and especially the way he approaches the central characters, gently boxing them in. Bottom line, they talk too much.
If you examine many mysteries, the fact of the matter stands that if the suspects had just kept their mouths shut, they probably would have gotten away with their crime.
Note the junkyard scene where Barnaby almost gets run down by a steam shovel, the same thing to happen to Cannon.
Partly filmed at the famous Ontario Speedway at Ontario, California, near San Bernardino. When it opened in the early 70s it was supposed to be the Indie 500 of the west, but declining turnout was its downfall, although score of movies and tv shows were filmed at the track. It closed in the early 80s and the land was eaten up by hotels, and eventually the famous Ontario Mall.
A late, late night must if you can stay up. Keep the coffee brewing. SEASON 2 EPISODE 5 remastered dvd box set.