After arranging a big decoy heist, slimeball ex-Army guy Jack Gulley (Clu Gulager) holds government scientist Dr. Frank Clapton (Albert Harris) captive, with the intent on selling him to another country for a whole lotta moolah. McGarrett only has so much time to find out who the kidnapper is and where he’s hiding. Michael Conrad plays a seemingly-indestructible villain. Bill Edwards (as government bigwig Jonathan Kaye) literally phones in his performance here.
Luigi’s Useless Information: I have to admire Gulley’s ingenuity…not only does he arrange the perfect decoy heist (the likes of which could easily fit in a Batman story), but he has somehow figure out how to change the pitch of his voice by using a plastic comb folded in a piece of paper.
Episode 5.7: “Chain Of Events”
Directed by Ron Winstone
Venereal Disease has hit the Big Island in a Big Way, working its way up from naïve college kids such as Linda (Gaye Nelson) and Walter (Dirk Benedict — yes, the Face-man!) to naïve politician James Trevor Warren (Linden Chiles) and his wife (Judi Meredith). This might not be as bad as one would think, except for the fact that someone is going around killing some of Warren’s STD contacts.
Luigi’s Useless Information: A small role by actor Ray Buktenica takes you up to 22 points (by my calculations).
Episode 5.8: “Journey Out Of Limbo”
Directed by Michael O’Herlihy
Danno’s unconscious body plops out of a construction truck-bed filled with dirt. With no memory of what happened to him, Danno attempts to put the pieces back together (giving the editor a chance to hone in on his flashback montage skills, complete with early electronic music). Meanwhile, McGarrett and crew are assigned to protect the visiting Chinese delegate (Philip Ahn) who is in town to see businessman Norton Hummel (Keenan Wynn).
Luigi’s Useless Information: At one point, Jack Lord and James MacArthur discuss what it’s like waking up with absolutely no knowledge of where you are. Sadly, Lord suffered from Alzheimer’s in his final years. Look briefly as Danno and his bodyguard are driving around for a movie marquee announcing the double feature of Frogs and The Conqueror Worm (my kind of place!).
DISC THREE:
Episodes 5.9, 5.10 & 5.11: “V For Vashon: The Son”, “V For Vashon: The Father”, & “V For Vashon: The Patriarch”
Directed by Charles S. Dubin
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