Cannon (TV Series) A Long Way Down (1972) User Reviews

Not bad but it is hard to imagine any hospital run this poorly!

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 20 July 2013]

The show begins with a group of thieves sneaking into the hospital and attacking the staff--and stealing the drug supply. However, the viewer can clearly see that at least one of the hospital staff knew the crime was about to occur. You learn soon after that another was also in on the crime--and blames the innocent doctor on duty. Cannon is brought in to investigate and determine what really occurred.

This episode deals with race, as the accused doctor is black (James Watson) and Cannon seems to be personally upset at the notion of anyone railroading this guy. He came off as very sensitive and dedicated throughout. Fortunately, it does not come off as heavy-handed and is a reasonably good episode. The only problem to me was just how sloppy the security was at this hospital--and drugs were apparently disappearing right and left before and after the robbery. Still, the show was engaging and well made--and worth seeing.

MORE DRUGS HERE THAN A ROCK FEST!

[tcchelsey · 9/10 · 11 February 2023]

Veteran actor James A. Watson appears as a doctor in this story, and the perfect fall guy for a group of drug thieves who hit a hospital. Watson appeared in many cop shows in the 70s, a frequent guest on QUINCY as the district attorney. His character is in deep trouble here, hence the title.

A very good episode, but...

writer Stephen Kandel, also connected to MANNIX, made it too EASY for the thieves to crash the hospital in the first place. I agree with the last reviewer, the security is terrible, which is a plus for the thieves. It would have been more convincing had the crooks faced a series of traps, a la MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.

HOWEVER... they do have a clever escape route for the drugs once they get inside, which was used on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. Therefore, I only took off one star.

Rosemary Murphy plays the head nurse and a suspicious character. At her best in dramatic roles, occasionally sinister; appearing in the cult film, YOU'LL LIKE MY MOTHER around this time. She was a standout in WALKING TALL (1973), perhaps her best role. Watch that film.

Dana Elcar makes another appearance, usually playing cops and sheriffs. This time he runs the hospital and he means business. Popular actor Sandy Kenyon guest stars (as Matt), everywhere on tv for decades, notably the TWILIGHT ZONE and ALL IN THE FAMILY.

In fact, there are many familiar actors here, and very well directed by series regular George McCowan, who was also directing MOD SQUAD at the time. James A. Watson is a standout, thanks to George.

Watch the ending; the getaway driver is a REALLY bad driver! Applause to Cannon as he prepares a fab-tabulous dinner for the doc and his gal pal. A nice close.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 7 remastered 2009 CBS/Paramount box set No. 1 of 2. 3 dvds per box.