Ep 1. Portrait of a Dead Girl (or Who Killed Miss U.S.A.?)

McCloud is an American police drama television series that premiered on the NBC network in 1970. The series starred Dennis Weaver in the titular role of Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud, a lawman from Taos, New Mexico, who is assigned to the New York City Police Department as a special investigator. In the show’s first season and episode 1, “Portrait of a Dead Girl,” or “Who Killed Miss U.S.A.?,” McCloud investigates the murder of a beauty pageant contestant.

The episode begins with the introduction of the victim, Miss U.S.A. Linda Arlen (played by Barbara Feldon), who has just won the title and is on her way to New York City for a photo shoot. However, after arriving at her hotel, Linda is murdered in her room. The case quickly attracts the attention of McCloud, who has been assigned to the case due to his expertise in Western police tactics.

McCloud begins his investigation by examining the crime scene and gathering evidence, while also interviewing those who were close to Linda. He soon learns that Linda was not well-liked by her fellow contestants, who had accused her of cheating her way to the title. McCloud suspects that one of these women may have been responsible for Linda’s murder.

As the investigation continues, McCloud faces resistance from the local police and the pageant officials, who do not take his unorthodox investigative methods seriously. However, despite their skepticism, McCloud is able to piece together the clues and eventually solve the case.

Throughout the episode, McCloud’s character is portrayed as a tough, no-nonsense lawman with a folksy charm and a quick wit. Although he is initially met with skepticism and condescension by New York City’s police force and high society, McCloud’s expertise and tenacity eventually earns him their respect.

The show also makes ample use of New York City’s famous landmarks and cultural events, highlighting the contrast between McCloud’s Western sensibilities and the bustling, cosmopolitan city around him. This is particularly evident during the scene where McCloud participates in the Miss U.S.A. pageant parade, clad in his Western attire and on horseback.

Overall, McCloud season 1 episode 1, “Portrait of a Dead Girl” is a well-paced and exciting police drama that showcases the talents of its lead actor, Dennis Weaver. With its unique blend of New York City cosmopolitanism and Western sensibilities, the show presents a fresh take on the police procedural genre.