Customer Reviews

Barnaby Jones: The Complete First Season

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For the first time, fan favorite Barnaby Jones is coming to DVD in a boxed set collecting the first season of the Classic TV detective series.

After years of fans wanting and waiting, our patience has finally been rewarded! This 662-minute DVD set brings all 13 the episodes as originally broadcast, in full screen video and English mono sound. They are also closed captioned. It's being released by CBS/Paramount, and while I've not yet seen the set, it's reportedly been carefully remastered, and contains all of the original musical cues.

Buddy "Beverly Hillbillies" Ebsen plays the tile role, while Lee "Batman, Time Tunnel" Meriwether portrays his daughter-in-law, Betty Jones. Barnaby heads his LA firm, while Betty provides him with invaluable assistance.

The Classic TV detective series aired on CBS from Jan. 28, 1973, to April 3, 1980. It premiered as a midseason replacement show, shaking up the CBS lineup by taking the timeslot of the Iconic Classic TV detective series Mannix, pushing it back to air one hour before the new kid on the block. Because of that, there were fewer episodes produced in its first season.

The Barnaby Jones character was introduced in 1973 in an episode in the third-season of the Classic TV detective series, Cannon, entitled, "The Deadly Conspiracy." The two-part episode began on Cannon and concluded on the premiere of Barnaby Jones with "Requiem for a Son."

An aging Barnaby had decided to retire and had left the private investigation business to his son, Hal. The now-grieving Barnaby decides to take the advice of his friend, Frank Cannon (William Conrad, in the cross-over from the show Cannon), to come out of retirement and solve the case in the pilot episode, "Requiem for a Son." His widowed daughter-in-law, Betty, joined forces with him to solve the case of her husband's murder.

At the conclusion of the case, the pair decided that they had worked together so well that they would continue to keep the detective agency open.

Until the cancellation of Cannon, the characters of both series moved back and forth between the two shows, an unique arrangement and a first for TV

Jones was also unusual, ordering milk in restaurants and bars, countering the stereotypical hard drinking detective. (Ironically, Ebsen was to disclose that he had struggled with alcoholism for decades.)

In 1976, the character of J. R. Jones, portrayed by Mark Shera, was introduced. J.R. was Barnaby's cousin. He had come to LA to try to solve the murder of his father, but stayed to help Barnaby and Betty, while also attending law school.

Barnaby was quite astute, noticing clues most other P.I.'s or the police had missed. Because of his age, Jones knew he would be bested in a fistfight with the criminals he pursued, so he used other means to protect himself, like slamming a door on the hand of a gun-carrying thug!

First season episodes collected here are: Requiem for a Son; To Catch a Dead Man; Sunday: Doomsday; The Murdering Class; Perchance to Kill; The Loose Connection; Murder in the Doll's House; Sing a Song of Murder; See Some Evil, Do Some Evil; Murder-Go-Round; To Denise, with Love and Murder; Little Glory, a Little Death; and Twenty Million Alibis.

Guest stars during the series were a virtual who's who of the acting talent of the day, including: Conlan Carter, Gary Lockwood, Stefanie Powers, Wayne Rogers, William Shatner, Leslie Nielsen, Richard Anderson, Claude Akins, Carl Betz, Meredith Baxter Birney, Bill Bixby, Jack Cassidy, Geraldine Brooks, Richard Bull, Dabney Coleman, Jackie Coogan, Glenn Corbett, Cathy Lee Crosby, Meg Foster, Anne Francis, Lynda Day George, Richard Hatch, James Hong, Claudia Jennings, Margot Kidder, Geoffrey Lewis, Ida Lupino, Roddy McDowell, George Maharis, Nick Nolte, Jessica Walter, Lynn Hamilton, Jon Cedar, Paul Sorenson, Roddy McDowall, and Gary Owens.

Let's hope the remaining seasons are promptly released!

Buddy Ebsen played Jed Clampett for nine seasons on The Beverly Hillbillies (1962 through 1971). Anyone familiar with the series' theme song, The Ballad of Jed Clampett, is probably aware that Jed struck oil on his property while out hunting, became a millionaire, and moved with his family to Beverly Hills. Ebsen, who up to this time, was mostly known for his dancing skills, played the grizzled, humble, and down to Earth mountain man, who was completely clueless, and out of his element in the big city. While Jed was ignorant about some things, he was wise in others, honest as the day was long, and also one hell of a shot with a gun. As the Clampett clan's moral conscience, Jed taught life lessons, and tried to show that doing what was right and fair, was the way to go.

Ebsen was 62, when The Beverly Hillbillies ended, but he was far from ready to hang it up. Crime shows were very popular, and in 1973 Ebsen made his debut as investigator Barnaby Jones on Quinn Martin's private eye series Cannon, before quickly launching the character into his own series. When his son Hal, a private investigator, is murdered, Barnaby decides to look into the case, aided by daughter-in-law Betty Jones, played by the lovely Lee Meriwether (Time Tunnel). After solving the case, Barnaby decides to continue as a private investigator.

Because of his age, fights, chases, and physically demanding stunts were mostly out, and Jones usually relied on his intelligence, experience, persistence, and forensic skills, to solve cases. There seems to be a lot of Jed Clampett in Barnaby Jones. Soft spoken, possessing a similar sage wisdom, and strong moral fiber, the tall and affable Jones, carried himself with great dignity. While not a drinker of anything stronger than milk, his eyes would blaze with fire when annoyed. Some of Clampett's shooting skills appear to have rubbed off, as Barnaby Jones was probably one of the greatest shots in the history of television detectives. In one episode, he hit the mark even though he had temporarily lost his sight. As a midseason replacement, there are only thirteen episodes in the first season. The premium price for what is essentially half a season's worth of content, results in a one star deduct.

With a super cool theme composed by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith, Barnaby Jones ran for eight seasons, and the total of 178 episodes, is one of the highest for a private detective drama. Being the lead in a series, Buddy Ebsen was an inspiration. An example that seniors were capable of a lot more than just sitting around in a rocking chair. When the Barnaby Jones was cancelled in 1980, Buddy was 71.

Take away the jerky camera movements, the MTV style pacing, the overt sexuality and the special effects that not only show a person getting shot, but follow the bullet through the body, and what do today's detective shows have? Nothing. Shows like Barnaby Jones had stories, and the people who made the shows knew how to tell the story.
When I was a kid, shows like Barnaby Jones were the grown up shows you loved to be able to stay up to watch. Now, grown up shows border on the perverse. In the 70's, my sainted mom and dad took us to visit Cooperstown, New York. It was a treat to be able to stay up late and watch a show like Barnaby Jones, while nibbling on Chicken in a Bisquet crackers (back then, that was one of the unusual crackers. Now, there's a million varieties). Now that my wife bought me the DVD from Amazon, I intend to watch Barnaby Jones, savoring not just the nostalgia, but the quality. I already have a box of Chicken in a Bisquet crackers to nibble on during the show, and I'm counting on my mom and dad to be looking down and watching with me, from Heaven.

about 2 yrs ago my wife and i--we are 66 yrs old now--decided to look for the old shows-shows we grew up with-to replace the crap on tv today--we built a library=all seasons releases= columbo-matlock-mc millan and wife-honey west-hart to hart-jake and the fatman-the untouchables- scarecrow and mrs king-mc cloud-gunsmoke-mannix-the big valley- voyage to the bottom of the sea- sea hunt-ellery queen-cannon-have gun will travel-murder she wrote-rocky king detective-combat-wanted dead or alive-mission impossible tv-diagnosis murder-perry mason-streets of san fran-bonanza--hawaii five 0-monk-ironside-etc and many more- plus comedys=my little margie- cheers-our miss brooks-mary tyler moore show-good times-bob newhart-jack benny shows-make room for daddy-johnny carson heeres johnny dvd collection and the tonight show dvd collection-jack benny--sid cesar-you bet your life with groucho- the life of riley-one day at a time-newhart-love boat-sanford and son-all in the family-fantasy island-love that bob-gale storm show--peticoat junction- red skelton-etc--to name just a few--MANY more--NOW--we ENJOY tv --as it WAS--and each night we go back in time--to a time when tv was entertainment-expensive?
yes-but its the BEST investment we ever made!no commercials-try it-you will LOVE it--you cant take it(cost) with you to the grave -TV when TV WAS tv--so glad we did!and all these shows given time-are rewatchable-JOIN the club!!if youre over 60--its tv as you remember it -pure clean fun--entertaining!-ENJOY watching these shows on your tv tonight-rather than be offended by whats on tv and passes for comedy or drama today-plus it gives you a little of your youth back--nice memories--like a time machine--go to=ioffer.com and get the complete series(100 episodes) for 30 bucks--off tv but watchable-certainly not pristine but like i said=watchable---THIS way or NO way--have fun

I remembered watching this as a kid and loved it, remembered the characters and style and song but you really never know until you watch it now, if it's as good as you remember, or just fond memories of a simpler time. I love it!! I agree with everyone who says it....too much money for 13 eps...but at least it's not a half season!

I really loved watching it at bedtime, it's a great mystery/crime show...and loved that that Cannon was a cross over in the first episode.

UPDATE:

NOW I'M DEPRESSED! IT'S OVER, WATCHED THEM ALL, NOW I'M LEFT FLOUNDERING IN THE "WILL THERE BE MORE" ZONE WHICH AS ALL FANS OF ALL SHOWS KNOW, IS THE SECOND WORST PLACE TO BE (WORST OF COURSE IS, THERE'S NO MORE FOR SURE). IT WON'T LIKELY TAKE LONG TO ENTER THE "FRUSTRATED" ZONE WHERE I START REMINISCING ABOUT ALL THE GREAT DVD RELEASES THAT NEVER RELEASED A SECOND SEASON - OR WE WAITED 4 YEARS FOR A 2ND SEASON AND THEN THEY GAVE UP BEFORE WE COULD GET THE REST OF THE SERIES...

I can only hope Barnaby Jones goes the way of Vega$, only a few months later we were notified of the second set release date - as opposed to Quincy which took years and years, and Taxi, years and years for the final season, or Charlie's Angels, or worst of all Family where we never got anymore after the first set, or Knots Landing where they tested a second set years later and then almost immediately announced they weren't planning any more, American Dreams (never watched it live but fell in love with the dvd set right out of my mother's childhood), no word after the first release....etc... But on a higher note at least it's not still in the same boat as Trapper John MD (sitting in a giant vault buried in the desert somewhere, no word on any release ever).

Yes, I enjoyed Barnaby Jones more now than as a kid, and I sure wish there was more..now...not next year, not 3 years away, tonight, at bedtime, I want more episodes!

Having watched this show as a kid, I wasn't sure it would hold up over time. But Season 1 of "Barnaby Jones" does not disappoint. The video is beautifully restored and the many variations of the unforgettable theme song really make the show come alive. In addition to the likeable acting of its stars and intriguing writing, "Barnaby Jones" often filmed on location, making the show much more realistic than shows that were taped entirely on a set. It's enjoyable to watch a detective show that relies on wit and intelligence rather than violence and gore. And seeing classic Ford cars from the 1970s placed throughout each episodes is an added treat.

I grew up as a kid watching this show with my mom in re-runs during the hot summers around here around noon time. I had remembered it, for some reason, as being a little corney yet fun. But when I went and bought this DVD set some thirty years later, WOW, I didn't realize what a gem Barnaby really was.

Honestly this show is a lot like Columbo. Like Columbo, Barnaby is wise and figures out who the killer, kidnapper, or crook is pretty early on. Like Columbo, we actually know the badguys right off the bat and don't have to wonder "who dunnit?" Like Columbo, Barnaby "plays dumb" with the crooks and gains their confidence or uses his country boy charm (Columbo dummies himself down, Barnaby uses innocent charms). Columbo likes a bowl of chili beans and a hard-boiled egg, Barnaby likes a tall glass of milk....

Both shows usually have a wealthy, powerful, arrogant antagonist who has the "perfect crime" set up only to have the hero unravel it steadily. Barnaby is a charming, fun, I-wish-he-was my grandpa type of character. He's a good-hearted man who gets to the bottom of things and doesn't take any crap either....

I think this show was severely underrated and an all-too-forgotten gem.

My favorite episodes on this DVD set are:

Requiem for a Son (great pilot, thoroughly enjoyed it, nice Cannon tie-in!)
To Catch a Deadman (just like on Columbo, Shatner plays a real turkey!)
The Loose Connection (Barnaby used unwittingly as a heroin transport)
Sing A Song of Murder (awesome episode about fraud and deception, loved it!)
Murder-Go-Round (maybe my favorite episode of them all with Claude Akins)
A Little Glory, A Little Death (outstanding plot, many twists)
Twenty Million Alibis (this is the most Columbo-like of them all)

I am just SICK that only one season of this great series has been released. Release em all for God's sake! Hurry! I'm dying now that I finished this season and there's nothing left.....help!

Anyone considering this show, ignore the $$$, it's worth it...enjoy! The episodic promos, great picture quality, and quality discs are excellent. Release them all!!!

It's fun to have Barnaby Jones on DVD at long last. This was one of my favorite shows back in the 70s, partly because of Lee Meriweather, partly because of the snazzy theme song, but mostly because of the extremely likeable character created by Buddy Ebsen. The basic idea of the wily old codger who rarely resorts to fisticuffs or guns, and only drinks milk, could have been painfully corny, but Ebsen's laid-back style makes Barnaby the kind of guy you want to hang around with.

The series holds up fairly well for a show of this vintage, and again it's Ebsen's performance, along with some above-average writing, that keeps it lively and interesting. The style may be dated, but the characterizations are enjoyable, if not always convincing.

The DVD is nothing short of spectacular. The colors are rich and vibrant and pop off the screen. The picture is sharp and richly detailed. Sound is mono and as good as it needs to be. The only disappointment is the lack of any extra features, other than promo trailers for each episode.

If you're a fan of the series, this is a no-brainer purchase. A solid presentation of a classic show.

This is such a quality series, from the acting to the attention to detail. It is so 70's, and anyone who grew up in that decade will love this. Buddy Ebsen is always wonderful to watch. He is such a character! The scenery and even the background music just make this a joy to experience. Also, lots of stars who are no longer with us, when they were in their prime are guest stars. I hope they come out with more Barnaby. I can't get enough!

Barnaby Jones was at the very top of my wish list for series that had yet to be released on DVD. I haven't been able to see it even on reruns for over 20 years, so I am thrilled that the first season has FINALLY been released. It's even better than I remembered: Buddy Ebsen is wonderfully understated as the soft-spoken, milk-drinking PI that does his own forensics work 1970s style. The picture quality and colors on this set are amazing. I can't believe anyone is carping about the price when it took this long for it to come out at all, but I guess some people can't be happy about anything.

I can't wait for the Second Season. I would have bought the whole series at once.