This episode has almost the exact same plot as the second episode of Mannix's first season called "Skid Marks on a Dry Run," except Joe worked for Intertect that season and not for himself. There are a few differences in the plot but the general structure is the same: a potential political candidate with hidden ties to the Syndicate hires Mannix to investigate him under the pretense of wanting to know what his opponent might be able to dig up on him.