Sole Survivor

Tonight, I watched the episode from January 1978, in which Joe wakes up in a hospital and is told that it is January 1979.

Yes, it's the one where Joe is kidnapped and told it's a year later so he'll reveal some top secret information to nasty old German Spies. They used the same plot on Airwolf a few years later. At least, Airwolf had the saving grace of a big action finale where Airwolf was used to blow up the baddies. Hardy Boys didn't have that luxury.

I disliked this episode as a kid and seeing it now (nearly thirty years later) reminds me of why I disliked it. One of the show's considerable strengths is the chemisty between Frank & Joe. The show is at it's best when they are on screen (together) trying to solve a puzzle or convince some doubting lawman that something is afoot. Split them up (or worst yet, leave Parker Stevenson out altogether) and you have a show that is a lot less fun to watch. Guest star Jean Marie Hon was easy on the eye, but Joe's just not Joe without Frank. At this stage in the run, I feel, the best episodes are behind me (sigh). I have fond very memories of VooDoo Doll (even if it has the faux Nancy) but I think from here on in, most episodes are weak.

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