Ep 22. Human Bomb

Highway Patrol is a classic action-packed police procedural television show from the 1950s and 60s that follows the duties and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in their day-to-day operations. In season one episode 22 titled "Human Bomb," the plot revolves around a potentially devastating bomb threat that could cause mass destruction, and the Highway Patrol officers' race against time to save innocent lives.

The episode starts with Sergeant Dan Mathews (played by Broderick Crawford) and Officer Jim Nelson (played by William Boyett) patrolling the highways of California when they receive a call from a frantic woman who claims that her husband, a former employee of a military contracting company, has gone berserk and threatened to blow up the firm. Sergeant Mathews and Officer Nelson arrive at the company and manage to evacuate all the employees in time before the building explodes in a massive blast. However, they soon find out that the husband has escaped and is on the run with a car loaded with dynamite.

As the authorities launch a massive manhunt to find the dangerous criminal, Sergeant Mathews and Officer Nelson race against time to track down the suspect before he can do any more harm. The chase takes them from the city to the countryside, where the desperate man is holding a young woman hostage in a remote cabin. With the help of some quick thinking, Sergeant Mathews manages to defuse the situation and capture the suspect just before he can detonate the bomb, saving countless innocent lives in the process.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to thrilling car chases, tense moments of negotiation, and realistic depictions of the professional and personal challenges faced by law enforcement officers. The performances by the show's cast are top-notch, with Broderick Crawford delivering an intense and emotional performance as Sergeant Mathews, who goes above and beyond the call of duty to protect the citizens of California.

Overall, "Human Bomb" is a classic example of the type of action-packed, edge-of-your-seat drama that made Highway Patrol such a beloved and influential series. The episode skillfully balances suspense, action, and character development, and showcases the dedication and bravery of the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. Anyone who enjoys classic police procedurals or classic television shows in general will enjoy this thrilling episode of Highway Patrol.