Daughter of Evil

"Daughter of Evil" is an episode where the title is actually a bit better than the show itself. Now I am not saying it's bad...but it left me a bit cold.

When the episode begins, some French man is having a 'date' with a professional girl (Morgan Fairchild) at his home. When he isn't looking, she opens the door and lets in her confederate...a guy who's going to rob the house after she leaves with Frenchie. However, later, when he's robbing the place, a security guard sees his flashlight beam...and tries to stop him...and gets killed in the process! Can Barnaby manage to catch these people?

This the epitome of mediocre...not bad, not good...just average. You do get to see Morgan Fairchild but you also are subjected to a subplot involving the madam and her innocent daughter...which, to me, wasn't all that satisfying.

Fairly average episode that goes a little cheesy on the "good prostitute" stereotype at times. Special appearance by Lee Meriwether's daughter who is also quite attractive. But the highlight of this one is all visual, Morgan Fairchild in a black bikini. A classically lovely woman. 10 points for that and 6 points for the rest and you get an 8.....

No question, Morgan Fairchild is the star of this mystery, playing a high class "lady of the evening" called Felice. There's also a FALCON CREST connection; Fairchild co-starred on the show and Dick Nelson, who wrote this episode, also wrote for that series.

Up for grabs is a priceless emerald collection and some murders attached. Felice apparently plays a part in the robberies of men who want her "company," although her clever plan snowballs out of control this time. If you're keeping notes, you'll discover Barnaby investigated more thefts of jewelry than any other tv detective, and probably paid on time, which was a miracle in itself. Just ask Mannix! This one is definitely "on the job training" for JR.

Joining Fairchild are two other fine actresses; Marlyn Mason (as Loretta) and veteran Marguerite Chapman, in her final appearance, playing a telephone operator. Pat Skelton, from ALL MY CHILDREN, has an early role as a guard.

SEASON 6 EPISODE 7 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 21 hrs total.

The downfall of this show was the addition of Mark Shera. He destroyed every series he was on. Even though Buddy was becoming tired of the show. Quinn was I consider a Micheal Mann of of today as far of what he did in his career. Take a good look at the police woman at the end of the episode as Lorett (Mason) is saying goodbye to her daughter. Whoever casted her must have a sick sense of humor. Seeing Betty's real life daughter was a real treat. Although Morgan Fairchild was the highlight of this episode. We are lucky to have a block of Quinn Martin productions on Monday through Friday. Cannon at 3am and Barnaby at 4am. Very happy camper. BTW the block I refer to is on MeTv.