Ep 18. The Big Prophet

Dragnet, the seminal police procedural series, returned in 1967 to bring its unique blend of stark realism and methodical storytelling back to the small screen. With Jack Webb reprising his iconic role as Sergeant Joe Friday, the show provided audiences with insights into the inner workings of the Los Angeles Police Department. In season 2, episode 18, titled The Big Prophet, the series continues its tradition of tackling contemporary issues through the lens of law enforcement, delving into the challenging and often controversial issues surrounding cults and the manipulation of young minds.

The Big Prophet starts as Friday and his partner, Officer Bill Gannon (played by Harry Morgan), are confronted with an emerging trend in the Los Angeles area – the rise of charismatic leaders who amass followings with promises of new insights, spiritual awakenings, and often, the deceptive allure of a utopian lifestyle. But beneath the veneer of enlightenment, the LAPD suspects more nefarious activities are brewing, pressing Friday and Gannon into a complex investigation.

The episode unfolds as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of the cultural phenomenon of the late 60s, where idealistic youths, disenchanted with the status quo and eager for meaningful connections, often found themselves easy targets for exploitation. Friday and Gannon, embodying the stoic and persistent spirit of law enforcement, begin peeling back the layers of a particularly enigmatic group led by a figure who has been dubbed "The Big Prophet" by his followers.

In their pursuit of justice, the detectives must navigate the delicate balance of protecting the vulnerable while respecting individual rights to religious freedom and personal beliefs. Friday’s characteristic no-nonsense demeanor clashes with, but also seeks to understand, the motivations behind the followers' unwavering loyalty to their leader. As the investigation unfolds, viewers are treated to a snapshot of a cultural crossroads, where the promise of newfound purpose and the reality of manipulation lie in precarious balance.

The episode plunges into the heart of the group's operations, and audiences are exposed to the methodologies used to recruit and control its members. Friday and Gannon work meticulously to gather information, interviewing concerned parents, former followers disenchanted with their experience, and current acolytes staunch in their defense of The Big Prophet. Meanwhile, the detectives also encounter legal and ethical obstacles that reflect the complexities inherent in cases involving ideology and belief systems.

"The Big Prophet" episode is punctuated by Webb’s commitment to realism. Dragnet's procedural approach is on full display as the detectives systematically build their case, following leads, collecting evidence, and analyzing the testimony they receive. The episode showcases the investigative techniques of the era, from stakeouts and surveillance to the painstakingly detailed interviews conducted by Friday and Gannon that have become a hallmark of the Dragnet franchise.

Crucially, the episode doesn't sensationalize nor marginalize the subject matter; it approaches it with the sober, methodical pace that fans had come to expect from the show. It was a delicate balance, exploring the magnetic draw of such groups without vilifying those who joined them, instead focusing on the line where persuasive leadership could become criminal manipulation.

Moreover, The Big Prophet illustrates the human stories at the center of its narrative. Friday and Gannon's interaction with parents desperate for answers and with the youth caught in the web of The Big Prophet’s influence adds a layer of emotional depth, pushing viewers to empathize with individuals on all sides of the issue. Throughout, the show maintains its grounding in the notion that every person is significant and deserving of the law's protection.

All in all, episode 18 of Dragnet's 1967 season, The Big Prophet, stands as a reflection of its time, thematically rich and conscientiously produced. It offers a gripping and thoughtful examination of the concerns of an era while adhering to Dragnet’s established style of hard-hitting, fact-based storytelling. The episode speaks to the strength of the series as a whole: the ability to evolve with the times while remaining faithful to the core values of integrity, duty, and the pursuit of truth – values epitomized by the steadfast Sergeant Joe Friday and his ever-reliable partner, Bill Gannon.