If you weren't sold on BARNABY JONES by this episode, then you would never be! "Murder Go Round" was apparently based on the infamous DB Cooper hijacking, which was a red HOT story when this episode was filmed.
Writers took it up a notch. Here, a hijacker with a fortune in cash just happens to parachute into a remote town. He's conveniently killed and the local folks suddenly become rich and Barnaby is hot on the case.
This is one heck of a ride, and I remember it when it first aired and never forgot it. All these years later, it's still compelling and "kind of" real life creepy, making you wonder if something like this really didn't happen to DB Cooper? This type of scenario has certainly been bantered about, perhaps thanks to this story, worthy of a DATELINE or 48 HOURS documentary.
The cast is oustanding, particularly gruff Claude Akins who is suspicious right from the start. Veteran actress Neva Patterson steals the show as the contemporary Dragon Lady who appears to be the brains of the outfit. Dabbs Greer, a regular on CANNON, plays a very nervous country gentleman who is gives himself away to Barnaby in one easy lesson.
Best of the lot has the group draw as to "who" will kill the next person who poses a threat to their secret. Notice how Neva Patterson seems to always conveniently not get chosen!
Look for Florida Friebus as Molly, best known as the mom on DOBY GILLIS, later as one of BOB NEWHART'S kukoo patients.
Marc Daniels (from I LOVE LUCY) directed this with a sharp eye for detail. Also the small, scenic southern California town of Piru plays into the action, roughly about 33 miles east of Ventura,
and a popular filming spot for years. And yes, Barnaby also gets to do some fishing on the side.
Recommended. SEASON ONE remastered CBS dvd box set.