Harry O: Exercise in Fatality (ABC 4 Dec 1975, with Ralph Meeker)

In Exercise in Fatality Police Sgt Frank Brannan has discovered that his runaway teenage daughter Missy is pregnant and living with a black musican. During a confrontation with the man a pair of drug dealers knock out Brannan and shoot dead Missy’s boyfriend, framing Brannan in the process.

Missy, who is the only one who knows her father is innocent, goes on run. Frank Brannan, now accused of 1st degree murder needs Harry to find her and prove his innocence.

Missy is a serious drug addict, she finds brief sanctuary in a home for unwed mothers but the drug dealers are also after her.

Meanwhile an old girlfriend, Julia, asks Harry if she can stay with him for awhile. Her latest boyfriend has gotten involved in some quite serious criminal activity. Julia is killed by a hitman, Harry thinks the killer mistook her for Missy but the answer may not be as straight forward as that.

Surprisingly graphic when it comes to the dangers of drugs, this is a very strong episode.

production details
USA / ABC / 1×45 minute episode / Broadcast 4 December 1975

Writer: Kenneth Realman / Director: Russ Mayberry

Series: Harry O Season 2 Episode 12

cast
David Janssen as Harry Orwell
Anthony Zerbe as Lt. K.C. Trench
Ralph Meeker as Sgt. Frank Brannen
Nora Heflin as Missy Brannen
Karen Machon as Julie Wilson
Annazette Chase as Jean Rogers
Ray Vitte as Richie Harris
Paul Tulley as Sgt. Roberts
Cynthia Avila as Lynn Robeson
Richard Foronjy as Sammy Wren
Carl Crudup as Catcher
Claude Earl Jones as Charlie Leinback
Gene Woodbury as Elroy Minor
Lauren Jones as Sister
Amy Joyce as Anne Thomas