Ep 1. Murder by the Barrel

McMillan & Wife is a classic TV crime drama series that aired from 1971 to 1977. Starring Rock Hudson as Police Commissioner Stewart McMillan and Susan Saint James as his smart and resourceful wife, Sally McMillan, the show follows the couple as they navigate their way through various murder mysteries and exciting investigations in their picturesque San Francisco setting.

In the pilot episode titled "Murder by the Barrel," a seemingly simple case of theft takes a dark turn when a man is found brutally murdered at a vineyard. The episode begins with Stewart and Sally attending a charity wine auction at the Biddle Ranch, owned by the affluent Malcolm Pierce (played by David Hedison). The event gathers together the city's elite, all hoping to bring home unique and prized bottles of wine.

As the evening progresses, the atmosphere is filled with laughter and excitement. However, the lighthearted ambiance takes a sinister twist when a valuable barrel of wine, known as the Biddle Special, vanishes without a trace. What was initially a theft quickly turns deadly when the body of a man named Sam Frazier, a former employee of Biddle Ranch, is discovered inside the missing barrel.

With the murder occurring on his watch, Stewart's professional reputation is on the line. Despite being cautioned against getting involved in the investigation, his determination to solve the case leads him to team up with his spirited and curious wife, Sally. Together, they embark on a mission to unravel the web of secrets and uncover the truth behind the murder by the barrel.

As Stewart and Sally delve deeper into the case, they encounter a myriad of suspicious characters who have connections to both the ranch and the wine business. They meet Brad Willard (played by John Considine), a smooth and charismatic wine importer, who had expressed a keen interest in the Biddle Special. Was his interest solely professional, or does he have something more sinister to hide?

Complicating matters further is the presence of Eloise Willard (played by Louise Sorel), Brad's glamorous and mysterious wife. Eloise's provocative behavior and enigmatic past raise suspicions among both the McMillans and the other residents of the ranch.

Throughout the investigation, Stewart's steadfast determination is matched by Sally's intuitive instincts and bravery. Together, they uncover a series of twists and turns that shed light on the true nature of the murder by the barrel. As the pieces of the puzzle come together, they must navigate through a minefield of deception and double-crosses, all while staying one step ahead of the cunning killer.

As the pilot episode of McMillan & Wife, "Murder by the Barrel" sets the stage for the thrilling adventures and intriguing mysteries that await the McMillans in future episodes. Viewers are introduced to the dynamic relationship between Stewart and Sally, where their love for each other is only rivaled by their shared passion for justice and their relentless pursuit of the truth.

With its captivating storyline, engaging characters, and picturesque San Francisco backdrop, McMillan & Wife's first episode is a delightful blend of crime, mystery, and romance that will leave audiences eagerly anticipating future investigations alongside the astute and charming McMillans.