Michael Vandever Movies
In one of his last TV roles, Sam Jaffe guest stars as Alex Zubatuk, a retired cobbler. When Zubatuk comes forth and confesses to a killing, detectives Stone (Karl Malden) and Keller (Michael Douglas) are reluctant to take the old man at face value. And for good reason: what the viewer knows (but the detectives don't) is that the meek, self-deprecating Mr. Zubatuk is taking the rap to protect the grandson of his best friend Victor Karlinsky (Victor Karlinsky). The real killer is played by prolific character actor Zooey Hall, here billed as David Z. Hall. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The doctors at Rampart set their sights on a diabetic patient who, intentionally or otherwise, repeatedly forgets to take his insulin shots. Another crisis situation arises from a frantic phone call from an anonymous woman who claims to have overdosed on drugs. Elsewhere, the team attempts to rescue some valuable horses from a burning stable; a hostage in a bank robbery is given medical treatment literally "under the gun"; and fireman Chet Kelly (Tim Donnelly) tries his hand at guitar playing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) is assigned to recover some stolen platinum and round up the thieves. To do this, he poses as the go-between for a notorious fence--then sets the stage for a major falling out amongst the criminals. An abundance of TV veterans show up in this episode, including Stefanie Powers in her one-and-only F.B.I. appearance. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
With Saunders (Vic Morrow) otherwise occupied, the estimable Pvt. Kirby (Jack Hogan) assumes temporary command of the squad--and not surprisingly, he lets his newly-acquired authority go to his head. Things take a dramatic turn when Kirby and the men are stranded in enemy territory. . .and worse, the radio is dead, preventing him from contacting Saunders for advice. Faced with the responsibility of being a genuine leader for the first time in his life, Kirby worries that he isn't equal to the task. It falls to Doc (Conlan Carter) to help Kirby overcome his terror and shepherd the squad to safety. This is the final episode of Combat's fourth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide







