Final Appeal: From the Files of Unsolved Mysteries

I can't say enough about the wonderful talent (all around) that this show had. It had a good run, but it will never be the same without Robert Stack. He brought credibility to it that boosted the story lines. The cinematography was wonderful. I wish this show was still airing...but like Seinfeld, sometimes the end is good for memories. I watched one particular show that was shot in Hamilton, Indiana back in 1992 - the way they used actual locations and people involved is what made this show so extraordinary. In addition, they mixed real witnesses with actors that made the episodes even more appealing. Can't say enough great things about this show.

There was a segment on Unsolved Mysteries called "Final Appeal" in which cases of inmates in prison or on death row who might be innocent were profiled. In the fall of 1992, the concept was expanded into a weekly half hour series. The show utilized reenactments of the crimes or other key events as well as interviews with witnesses, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the appealant. Robert Stack hosted and narrated each episode. Unfortunately, the ratings were poor, and the show was canceled after a run of only six weeks. During it's short tenure on television, the show did lead to the release of one innocent man - Tony Miller, a young musician wrongly convicted of armed robbery. Some of the Final Appeal episodes were recycled into episodes of SPIKE TV's Unsolved Mysteries with Dennis Farina, and at least one episode was shown on Lifetime with any references to it being a "Final Appeal" program presentation edited out. As a result, few viewers are aware of this short lived but important series, which is truly a shame.

Unsolved Mysteries was such a great show. Its one of the few shows besides Quincy that I wish would have run forever. It performed such a great public service by helping capture dangerous criminals and reunite so many lost loved ones. This offshoot series tried to do something different which is just as important. It tried to give the unjustly accused a final appeal for help. I remember the one they did with Doctor Jeffrey MacDonald because it was the first. I truly believe this man is innocent. This was shown over a decade ago and he is still in prison.