Mannix Shadow Play (1967–1975) watch online HD

"Shadow Play" is a not particularly outstanding episode of "Mannix"--but it also has its moments. The biggest problem is the writing--a lot of the show just doesn't make a lot of sense.

The show begins with Mannix arriving in town at the airport. There a woman identifying herself as Lynn Sargent pays Mannix a whole lot of money to deliver a package. This is awfully suspicious but even more suspicious is how she is acting--and the woman soon bolts. Behind her are two thugs who immediately set upon Mannix, as they want the package...or else. Well, Mannix isn't about to give in and they have a dandy fight--and Mannix more than holds his own. When the police show up, the thugs run.

When Mannix is interviewed by the police chief, he learns some interesting things. First, Lynn Sargent is dead...killed a month earlier by some hit and run driver. Second, the package turns out to be a phony--just stuffed with paper! What's next? See the show.

The biggest problem isn't the set-up which I mentioned above. This is interesting. However, how it all plays out just doesn't make a lot of sense--who the lady really is, her actions, the actions of Mr. Sargent (in particular) all made me a bit confused and the story seemed hastily assembled. Worth seeing but a bit of a let down.

This has to be the worst episode yet. Planktonrules makes some good points about how the main plot is confusing and doesn't make sense if you stop to think about what most of the main characters have done. "Let's put in a twist here, who cares if it makes sense...." But the worst part was the fighting and strategy at the last 1/4 of the show. Granted they stretch things here and there for action most of the time, but it was just stupid. Two "pros" are out to get Mannix and the client and they have rifles...he has the old snub nose revolver. So he manages to sneak out, and then get way behind one of the bad guys. So... he runs at him from behind with his gun in his pocket? All while yelling to protect the girl? Of course he punches the guy out, but come on. Then he takes the rifle and goes in the house again. At this point he has a good standoff, but somehow the rifle vanishes, the bad guys get in the house, only to be hit with a mattress... and lose another rifle. After the double cross, they are back at it again, Mannix punches one and grabs the rifle again... only to run away. He could shoot both the bad guys... he could easily use the gun and club one of them... but he runs away. Then in the next showdown they only have pistols again and he doesn't use the rifle, we don't even see it. Not to worry, he does shoot a pistol but only after another fist fight.

Anyone trying to stay alive would not make any of the stupid moves he did. If they want more action add a car chase, but don't make him act like a moron....