This was my first exposure to "Banacek," and it proves why it's considered a different crop of show from its brethren on the "NBC Mystery Movie." From the outset, we are in the midst of a classic "locked room mystery," even if the room in this case is the middle of a football field on game day.
Robert Webber (a veteran of "The Rockford Files" and 70s TV in general) does a good turn as the team's owner. He plays it on the line so we really aren't sure at first if he's in on the plot or not. Stephanie Powers also delivers a nice performance as the lady of the week whom Banacek has some fun romancing.
George Peppard didn't dazzle me in this episode, though. Maybe because it was launching the series, the writers were focusing more on making sure the plot worked, but Banacek doesn't really have a distinctive character in this show. Sure, he interacts with Felix and Jay, and we get the sense that he's worldly, but none of it really shines through. Though I will say the scene with Stephanie Powers wherein he explains his father's watch and why he does what he does is nicely written and acted.
All in all, a solid start (with a great solution). The ending is marred only by a really bland summation from Peppard.moreless
Episode Summary
EDIT
When a professional football player vanishes from the field of play before a large crowd and millions of TV viewers, leaving only his helmet behind, Banacek is called in by the owner of the team to solve the mystery of the bizarre disappearance.moreless
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GUEST STAR
Peggy Walton-WalkerDr. Judy Forrest
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GUEST STAR
Stefanie PowersAngie Ives
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GUEST STAR
Madlyn RhueHolly Allencamp
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Ralph Manza
Jay Drury
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George Peppard
Thomas Banacek
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Murray Matheson
Felix Mulholland
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Christine Belford
Carlie Kirkland (1973-1974)
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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TRIVIA (0)
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QUOTES (5)
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Banacek: There is an old Polish proverb that says..."If you're not sure it's potato Borscht, there could be orphans working in the mine."
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Banacek: You've been a tremendous help, Dr. Forrest. Thank you. Dr. Forrest: My pleasure. Call me anytime. Banacek: I thought you were a reader of lips, not minds.
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Susan: What was that, honey? Some kind of trick play? Banacek: If it was, it was called by a coach named Houdini.
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Felix Mullholland: Didn't Jay give you my message? Banacek: He was about to, but your accent is better. Jay Drury: Yeah, well someday I'd like to hear his Sicilian.
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Felix Mulholland: There is an old English proverb that says... "The only thing worse than a devious Russian, is a sneaky Pole." Banacek: You mean the only thing better.
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DVD release
10/22/072
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Favorite and ...if any....least favorite episode
07/02/071
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