

A chess-playing criminology prof hunts killers with 1980 computers. Yes, it's as gloriously janky as it sounds.
A criminology professor uses scientific methods, advanced computer technology, his expertise in chess, and the leg work of several of his students to track down a crazed killer in San Francisco.
Acting
William Conrad commits fully to chess metaphors nobody asked for.
Production
Glorious period computers that beep meaningfully at crime scenes.

Director
Bernard L. Kowalski
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was a failed pilot for a potential series—NBC passed, possibly because 'chess computer detective' tested poorly with audiences who wanted car chases.
Turnover Smith arrived right when TV was flirting with 'scientific' detectives post-Quincy, but predating CSI by two decades. The bulky computer equipment was cutting-edge prop rental from Silicon Valley startups.