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sueeastlake
Reviews
Ironside: What's New with Mark? (1974)
Father figure gives "son" away
To me this was one of the best episodes of the eight season. We get to see the journey of Mark come to its height with two life changing events. And Ironside acts as the proud "father" as he sees Mark attain his goals. This episode may be considered the end of life for Mark and the Chief as we know it. It may have hastened the end of series, since their relationship was central to the whole series in my view. And there is a surprise ending that no one saw coming. There is a error in allowing Mark to try a case when he was the arresting officer, but considering that he had come so far since the pilot film, that can be forgiven.
Ironside: Downhill All the Way (1973)
Downhill All the Way
Raymond Burr gave a magnificent acting performance in this episode. Ironside seems to have great knowledge of autistic children, which is not explained, but he isn't the gruff Ironside that we expect. An autistic boy witnesses a murder, but can't tell the police about it. Ironside offers to have the child tested to see if he will speak. The child bonds with Ironside. When they are out fishing, an attempt to kill Ironside and the boy. The plan that Ironside hatches to catch the attempted murderer of the boy leaves his staff and friends wondering what will happen to the Chief. I was kept guessing who the suspect was until the end. If you love the relationship between the Chief and Fran, Mark, and Ed, this is the episode for you.