Ep 8. Rough Buck

Peter Gunn was a popular black-and-white detective television series that aired from 1958 to 1961. The show followed the exploits of Peter Gunn (Craig Stevens), a dapper and smooth-talking private investigator based in an unnamed American city. One of the typical features of the show was its jazz soundtrack, which was composed and performed by Henry Mancini and won several awards. Overall, the show was known for its stylish and atmospheric film-noir aesthetics, as well as its sharp writing and strong performances.

Season 1 episode 8 of Peter Gunn is titled "Rough Buck" and follows Peter as he investigates the murder of a wealthy casino owner named Joshie Buck (played by actor Tyler McVey). The episode opens with a stylish nighttime shot of the casino sign, followed by a scene of a man nervously entering Peter's office and revealing that he was present when Buck was shot and killed.

As Peter begins to investigate the case, he discovers that Buck's murder might be related to a larger scheme involving organized crime and illegal gambling. He also meets a number of colorful characters, including Buck's widow Trudy (played by actress Jean Willes), who might have more to do with the murder than she lets on. Through his journey, Peter has to deal with powerful forces trying to neutralize him, his police friend Lt. Jacoby (played by Herschel Bernardi), and his romantic entanglements with cabaret singer Edie Hart (Lola Albright).

The first half of "Rough Buck" establishes a tense and complex atmosphere, with Peter conducting interviews, gathering clues, and avoiding danger. He visits the casino, speaks with Buck's former partners, and gets into a car chase with some thugs. The pace is deliberate, and the show takes time to showcase the details of Peter's work, such as his use of a hidden camera to get footage of a suspect.

As the plot thickens, Peter learns that Buck's murder may have been instigated by the mysterious "Berk" (actor John Marley), a shadowy figure working for the syndicate and running a dog racing operation. Peter confronts Berk in a showdown that showcases the show's gunplay and action scenes, as well as its smart dialogue.

One of the standout sequences in the episode is Peter's visit to a dog track, where he observes the suspicious behavior of some of the trainers and interacts with a young boy obsessed with the races. This sequence gives the show a chance to delve into some social commentary, as Peter comments on the pitfalls of gambling and the exploitation of animals. Meanwhile, the boy's enthusiasm provides a contrast to the hard-boiled world of the criminal underworld.

Another notable element of "Rough Buck" is the depiction of Trudy, Buck's widow, who becomes a primary suspect in the investigation. Jean Willes gives a strong performance as a woman who is simultaneously grieving for her husband and trying to hide something from Peter. Her interactions with Peter are flirtatious and teasing, hinting at the romantic tension that runs throughout the show.

The final act of the episode ratchets up the suspense as Peter and his allies race against time to catch the real killer before it's too late. The climax involves a tense confrontation at an abandoned dockside warehouse, which showcases the show's use of shadowy lighting and film-noir aesthetics. The resolution of the case is both satisfying and unexpected, providing a fitting end to the whodunit plot and setting up Peter for further adventures.

Overall, "Rough Buck" is a solid episode of Peter Gunn that showcases the show's strengths in terms of style, atmosphere, and storytelling. It features strong performances from its cast, a complex and engaging plot, and plenty of action and suspense. Fans of classic TV detective shows and film noir will find much to enjoy in this episode.