In this pilot film that led to the series, an ex-con and a retired cop, partners in a private investigation agency, try to prove that a safecracker has been framed for a diamond robbery.
Acting
Eddie Albert's gruff charm vs. Wagner's slick ex-con.
Production
Pure 1975 Los Angeles time capsule.
Writing
Pilots that actually set up dynamics, not just exposition dumps.
Director
Robert Day
Eddie Albert
Frank MacBride
Robert Wagner
Pete T. Ryan
Charles Durning
Lt. Phil Beckman
Sharon Gless
Maggie Philbin
Ken Swofford
Capt. Griffin
Charlie Callas
Malcolm Argos
Jaclyn Smith
Ally McGuinness
Robert Sampson
Mort Slaughter
Marc Lawrence
Franks
Greg Mullavey
Chuck Powell
Roger E. Mosley
Walter
Alan Manson
Murray Franklin
Val Bisoglio
Curry
Ken Lynch
Stoker
Anne Schedeen
Lisa
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Robert Wagner's comeback after Natalie Wood's death and a self-imposed career break. He'd spend the next decade as a TV staple.
The 'ex-con/cop' inversion was radical for 1975—usually the criminal was the sidekick, not co-lead. It paved DNA for everything from 48 Hrs. to The Good Place's Eleanor/Chidi tension.
US
