This is a clever episode, written by series regular Larry Alexander, who also wrote for CHIPS.
At the very least, you have to admit its original because you never thought something like this would happen to Barnaby. Alex Henteloff plays a reporter called Al Geiger who uncovers a HOT story. It's so hot that he's told to check it out with Barnaby, just in case.
The catch is Al is conned BIG TIME by two guys pretending to be Barnaby and JR. They get the info they want and it's goodbye Al! For Keeps.
More over, Barnaby and JR now have to piece this all together, and with unfriendly competition. Watch how this all plays out, and the cast is pretty darn good. True, this kind of gag was done on other cop shows, but it's interesting to see it happen to the "senior" detective.
Maggie Cooper guest stars, who later appeared in FALCON CREST. Look for veteran Carmine Caridi, famous for his roles in the GODFATHER movies.
Also in the cast is Roger Perry, always used by producer Quinn Martin. Two great character actors turn up; funny lady Alice Backes plays Lillian, and Lewis Charles as Nick Arnold. Lewis passed shortly after this episode, best remembered for playing side-kicks and fall guys for years.
Only debit is Alex Hentelhoff has a small role. He played some neat villains or helpless victims. Alex appeared many times on BARNEY MILLER.
I give it 9 Stars for originality, and for a few memories watching this back in the day.
SEASON 8 EPISODE 21 remastered color CBS/Paramount.
At the very least, you have to admit its original because you never thought something like this would happen to Barnaby. Alex Henteloff plays a reporter called Al Geiger who uncovers a HOT story. It's so hot that he's told to check it out with Barnaby, just in case.
The catch is Al is conned BIG TIME by two guys pretending to be Barnaby and JR. They get the info they want and it's goodbye Al! For Keeps.
More over, Barnaby and JR now have to piece this all together, and with unfriendly competition. Watch how this all plays out, and the cast is pretty darn good. True, this kind of gag was done on other cop shows, but it's interesting to see it happen to the "senior" detective.
Maggie Cooper guest stars, who later appeared in FALCON CREST. Look for veteran Carmine Caridi, famous for his roles in the GODFATHER movies.
Also in the cast is Roger Perry, always used by producer Quinn Martin. Two great character actors turn up; funny lady Alice Backes plays Lillian, and Lewis Charles as Nick Arnold. Lewis passed shortly after this episode, best remembered for playing side-kicks and fall guys for years.
Only debit is Alex Hentelhoff has a small role. He played some neat villains or helpless victims. Alex appeared many times on BARNEY MILLER.
I give it 9 Stars for originality, and for a few memories watching this back in the day.
SEASON 8 EPISODE 21 remastered color CBS/Paramount.
