I took this down one star because -- Joe's clients again are big, BIG liars. Mannix is supposed to be looking for someone's son, although the lost bohemian turns out to be a clever con who just swiped a counterfeit gang's plates.
Joe naturally gets put on the top of the hit list as these goons want their money makers back, naturally believing he's part of the plan. The clever twist here is the lost son may just be an angle to sucker Joe into the chase. Interesting. As one reviewer noted, yes, Mannix gets to pull off some judo and nail a creep. This may have been inspired by CANNON, always quick to chop a goon across the back and neck.
Series director Reza Badiyi returns(!) for Season 8, with a flair for black eyes, broken bones and lots of ammo. For all of us famous face fans, there's a terrific list; Scatman Carothers and Russell Johnson. Johnson was a very good dramatic actor, though typecast from Gilligans Island.
Two seasoned veterans also appear; Anna Lee (THE PRIZE, 1963) who always reminded me of Angela Lansbury, playing the worried mother? An excellent offbeat role for her. And favorite fall guy Elisha Cook, Jr, who should have been on the series more often. A fantastic way to spend a late night. SEASON 8 Episode 5. CBS dvd box set. Released 2012 with a cool cover.