Last time, Dusty was pushed to a confession for nearly killing Jimmy Olsen just to find himself mysteriously killed before he can tell Comanche Joe and Kent who he was working for. In the meantime, a greater danger is ahead. Since this serial is called The Howling Coyote, we comment on the legend of the coyote through the various Native America tribes.
In our last episode, Jimmy had to have an operation to save his life after taking a nasty fall off the horse thanks to Lawson and his henchman Dusty. Jimmy right now is quickly fading with no hope in sight. Commentary on the logic of Superman giving a blood transfusion as well as how much longer he can stay anonymous in the shadows.
Two elderly women are mowed down by a hit and run driver and Friday and Romero must find him before the trail grows cold. Commentary on Joe's mother, his relationship with her, and why this was crucial in the ongoing success of Dragnet.
Last time, Jimmy and Tumbleweed faced new obstacles in losing their horse as well as being completely lost in the middle of a blizzard with Jimmy slowly slipping into unconsciousness. Tumbleweed must keep him alert in order to save his life while finding shelter. Commentary on the physical emergence of Superman in this episode and his interacting as Superman among other characters which is a first for the series.
Last time, Jimmy was near death and Tumbleweed Jones fighting a rough terrain and a blizzard on horseback, must get Olsen to the doctor before it’s too late. Commentary on Radio Retropolis news and why Superman takes too long to save the day.
In the last episode, Superman saved Jimmy Olsen from a fatal bullet while risking being exposed himself. Dusty and Lawson are still determined to kill young Olsen and devise a new plan. Commentary on where you can find great information on Superman movies, actors, and latest news.
Friday and Romero investigate the murder of an architect’s wife as both the husband and her step father blame the other for the killing. Commentary on how Dragnet combined the styles of the procedural and of the mystery to make a really smart, not whodunit, but "whichdunit".
Last time, Lawson and Dusty had it in for Comanche Joe to take over his ranch by using the legend of the Howling Coyote as incentive. But for Jimmy Olsen, it’s about to get very dangerous and only Superman can save the day. Commentary on how poorly the American Indian has been portrayed in the B movie westerns of the 30s and 40s.
There is a danger for Comanche Joe, Jimmy and Clark that will once again force Clark to think quickly in saving the two without risking his secret identity as Superman. Commentary on American Indian stereotypes.
A missing boy is returned to his grandfather, but the grandfather believes there is something terribly wrong with his grandson. Something unrecognizable. Commentary on a softer tone direction plus being fooled as to the identity of the imposter.
In a brand new serial, Perry receives a strange message of piled stones which is an Indian warning of an imminent death followed by an arrow that shatters a water glass. Is it a threat to Perry’s life…or a plea for help? Commentary on the Comanche Indians as well as Superman'struggle to keep his heroics from being seen.
Superman has figured out the hideout where the freight train has been stashed and plans to expose the big boss. He also discovers the train Jimmy is on will be blown up at Rainbow Bridge. Commentary on the similarities between this episode and the Superman TV episode Ghost Wolf as well as the accident George Reeves had on set during the episode that changed a major super effect.
Last time, we learned that Kent exposed the secret of the missing freight trains while Jimmy discovered that Kent never boarded the train as he is not there to meet him. Commentary on the special effects used during the recording of the Superman episodes.
Friday goes deep undercover as a dealer looking to expose a drug ring working out of a high-class hotel. Commentary on Jack Webb playing a tough con with comparisons to his previous series Pat Novak, For Hire. Plus, a special look at the exceptional use of sound effects in this episode's opening act.
Last time, Mr. Fortune’s murder has still not been solved although Miss Bailey’s true allegiance to the mysterious crime boss is forcibly thrust upon us as she attempts to kill Superman. But Superman has a new plan to expose the scheme behind the vanishing freight car. Commentary on how Superman plays detective which is a different direction than his usual need as that usually falls on Kent. Plus, we focus on Superman character actor Billy Nelson.
Last time, we learned that Kent exposed the secret of the missing freight trains while Jimmy discovers that Kent never boarded the train and is not there to meet him. Commentary on how those who cannot dispose of Superman by regular means still are not marveled by him yet.
Last time, Mr. Fortune’s murder has still not been solved although Miss Bailey’s true allegiance to the mysterious crime boss is forcibly thrust upon us as she attempts to kill Superman. But Superman has a new plan to expose the scheme behind the vanishing freight car. Commentary on whether Lois Lane is starting to believe in Superman.
Friday and Romero tackle forgery as someone has been successfully stealing mail and cashing other people’s checks. Commentary on the first use of a comedy routine with Friday and Romero that would be a staple in Dragnet from this point forward. Plus Harry Morgan talks about the humor in Dragnet as well as his relationship with Jack Webb.
Kent has discovered that a bank employee is involved in the missing $5 million with another character known only as the boss. What Kent doesn’t know is that they want to get rid of Lois and him. Commentary is on how Superman manages to intervene in the fate of Lois Lane as a common theme as well as further cementing their bond.
While investigating the missing freight train, Superman discovers an emerald that had fallen out of someone’s ring. Meanwhile Lois is at the train station with danger lurking close by. Commentary on Superman needing to changing from Clark to Superman rather quickly in a life or death situation while still staying out of sight. Plus we speak of the tremendous writing in the chess game between Kent and Fortune.
A young mother is shot dead in her bed while her seven-year-old son sleeps by her side. Friday and Romero received honorary Deputy Sheriff commendations in Baton Rouge which leads to a personal story from Jim about his same experience with actor Erik Estrada while working with the Bedford County Sheriff's Department.
The Daily Planet gang investigates how a freight car transporting $5 million, sandwiched in between others, goes missing en route from one station to another.
Friday and Romero are stumped in a safe-cracking caper when after several months of stake-outs they have not been able to generate a single lead. Commentary on the change of tone in this episode that is different than other episodes. Plus the rise and fall of the phone booth. Finally, Dragnet writer James Moser wins the Edgar Award.
In our last episode, Clark Kent exclaims to Perry, Lois, Jimmy and Rumsen that he has the mystery solved and proves it by making himself invisible. Commentary on limitations of actually throwing your voice as with ventriloquists and how difficult it would have been for this story line to work in real life. This serial did, however, set Clark and Lois on a new path as she warms up to him.
After the mayor and now Clark unexpectedly back away from pursuing the case of the invisible man, Lois and Perry are driving to see the governor to get his support to put away the DA for good. Little do they know the invisible man tampered with their car which will send it spiraling out of control at the 100 mile mark. Commentary on the non-stop wackiness of the episode in which everything seems to happen that could happen including some uncharacteristic moments.
After Superman thwarts the bomb explosion planted by the invisible man, Clark, Perry and Lois head to see the mayor to get his cooperation to nail the corrupt District Attorney-that is until he gets a last minute call the chills him to the bone. Commentary on the ridiculous notion that Lois would turn on Clark regarding his lack of bravery and what this means for the two characters going forward. Plus we discuss rule #1 of the villain 101 Handbook and how every villain seems to violate it....
Friday and Romero investigate a possible suicide of a woman but quickly suspect her husband of murder. Commentary on what makes this a unique standout episode with a rare break from the usual Dragnet format.
The Daily Planet gang receive a deadly warning from the Invisible Man that if they print the story against the District Attorney it will be the last story they print for a while which will ruin the Daily Planet. Commentary on the difficulty Clark Kent faces when he has to be Superman. Plus, a classic satirical interview with Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel by legendary comedian Fred Allen.
Last time, Clark, Perry White and Lois Lane were determined to expose the crooked DA Parker only to be confronted and then threatened by an Invisible Man that there would be serious consequences if the story was made public by their paper. Commentary on Clark Kent's bravery (which is still questioned by others) and who Bud Collyer was in real life away from Superman. Plus, we'll find out what Collyer really thought of Joan Alexander (Lois).
Friday and Romero investigate the whereabouts of recently stolen vehicles that leads them to the city’s salvage yards. Commentary of how a popular saint came to be and then was demoted.
