Corrupt businessman Herb Conroy (a nicely smarmy portrayal by Peter Donat) uses his company as a front for selling drugs. Cleaver (a marvelously gregarious Ernest Borgnine) and Haven (a solid and likable performance by Michael Shannon) devise a plan to bust Conroy and take town his operation.
Director Vincent McEveety relates the engrossing story at a snappy pace. Harold Livingston's smart script offers a few neat twists, makes some interesting points about the necessity for occasionally bending the rules as a means to an end to doing the right thing, and further spruces things up with amusing bits of deadpan humor, with Haven's impressions of Bogart in particular rating as total hoots. J.J. Johnson's funky disco score hits the get-down groovy spot. John Amos provides sturdy support as the ever-cranky Bundy while Tracy Reed makes a welcome appearance as Bundy's sweet daughter Natalie. However, it's the smoldering presence of Sheree North that kicks this episode up a few extra notches; she's a sly and sexy treat as Conroy's sultry two-timing assistant Claire Hammond, who in a comic highlight comes onto Haven after he manages to charm his way into her apartment.
Director Vincent McEveety relates the engrossing story at a snappy pace. Harold Livingston's smart script offers a few neat twists, makes some interesting points about the necessity for occasionally bending the rules as a means to an end to doing the right thing, and further spruces things up with amusing bits of deadpan humor, with Haven's impressions of Bogart in particular rating as total hoots. J.J. Johnson's funky disco score hits the get-down groovy spot. John Amos provides sturdy support as the ever-cranky Bundy while Tracy Reed makes a welcome appearance as Bundy's sweet daughter Natalie. However, it's the smoldering presence of Sheree North that kicks this episode up a few extra notches; she's a sly and sexy treat as Conroy's sultry two-timing assistant Claire Hammond, who in a comic highlight comes onto Haven after he manages to charm his way into her apartment.