The Harry O Viewing Companion: History and Episodes of the Classic Detective Series

by Steve Aldous, Gary Gillies

Overview

In the golden era of 1970s TV detective shows, Harry O stood out. David Janssen, already renowned for his role in The Fugitive, played Harry Orwell, a San Diego cop who retired after being shot in the back. The chemistry between Janssen and Anthony Zerbe, who delivered an Emmy-Award winning performance as Lt. K.C. Trench, captivated viewers and contributed to the show's popularity. While Harry O was largely character-driven, it also featured compelling plots that retained the show's audience throughout its two seasons.

This viewing companion to Harry O covers all episodes, providing information about cast, crew, and locations along with story analysis. Informed by archival material, including series' creator Howard Rodman's papers, it also features new interviews conducted by the authors, providing insight into the creation of the series. From the filming of the pilot episodes in 1972 to the show's cancellation in 1976, the book offers a comprehensive history of each step in the show's development.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476694290
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	03/13/2025
Pages:	258
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.52(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Steve Aldous has a lifelong interest in film, TV and popular music. Author of a number of well-received short stories, articles and essays, he lives in Bury, Lancashire, UK. Gary Gillies is a musician/producer and the Co/CEO of two record companies. He is also co-creator and producer of Alien War, a theatrical production in partnership with 20th Century Fox in London. He lives in Glasgow, Scotland.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments and Authors’ Notes
Foreword by Les Lannom
Introduction by Steve Aldous
Part One: The Harry O Pilots, 1972–74
The First Pilot: “Such Dust as Dreams Are Made On”
The Second Pilot: “Smile Jenny, You’re Dead”
Part Two: Season One, 1974–75
Season One Overview: San Diego
1.1—“Gertrude”
1.2—“The Admiral’s Lady”
1.3—“Guardian at the Gates”
1.4—“Mortal Sin”
1.5—“Coinage of the Realm”
1.6—“Eyewitness”
1.7—“Shadows at Noon”
1.8—“Ballinger’s Choice”
1.9—“Second Sight”
1.10—“Material Witness”
1.11 / 1.12—“Forty Reasons to Kill”: (Parts 1 and 2)
1.13—“Accounts Balanced”
Season One Overview: Los Angeles
1.14—“The Last Heir”
1.15—“For the Love of Money”
1.16—“The Confetti People”
1.17—“Sound of Trumpets”
1.18—“Silent Kill”
1.19—“Double Jeopardy”
1.20—“Lester”
1.21—“Elegy for a Cop”
1.22—“Street Games”
Part Three: Season Two, 1975–76
Season Two Overview
2.1—“Anatomy of a Frame”
2.2—“One for the Road”
2.3—“Lester Two”
2.4—“Shades”
2.5—“Portrait of a Murder”
2.6—“The Acolyte”
2.7—“Mayday”
2.8—“Tender Killing Care”
2.9—“APB Harry Orwell”
2.10—“Group Terror”
2.11—“Reflections”
2.12—“Exercise in Fatality”
2.13—“The Madonna Legacy”
2.14—“Mister Five and Dime”
2.15—“Book of Changes”
2.16—“Past Imperfect”
2.17—“Hostage”
2.18—“Forbidden City”
2.19—“Victim”
2.20—“Ruby”
2.21—“The Mysterious Case of Lester and Dr. Fong”
2.22—“Death Certificate”
Part Four: Cancellation and Legacy
Cancellation
Legacy
Postscript
Appendices
A: David Janssen Film and TV Credits
B: Anthony Zerbe Film and TV Credits
C: Henry Darrow Film and TV Credits
D: Howard Rodman Film and TV Credits
E: Jerry Thorpe Film and TV Credits
F: Nielsen Primetime Rankings
G: Original U.K. Broadcast Dates
H: Our Top Dozen Harry O Episodes
I: DVD Releases
J: Novels
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index