Ep 7. The Hottest Ticket in Town

Simon & Simon was a popular American television series that enjoyed a successful run from 1981 to 1989, consisting of eight seasons and a total of 156 episodes. The show originally aired on CBS and starred Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker as the titular detectives, Rick and Andrew Simon, respectively. The brothers ran a private investigation firm in San Diego, California, and found themselves embroiled in all sorts of dangerous and entertaining cases each week.

In season 1 episode 7, titled "The Hottest Ticket in Town," the Simons are hired by a man named Harold Harmon, who runs a profitable ticket scalping operation. Harmon has been receiving threatening phone calls from someone who wants to put a stop to his illegal activities, and he wants the Simons to find out who's behind the threats. Despite their initial reluctance to take on the case, the promise of a big payday convinces the brothers to investigate.

The investigation takes the Simons into the seedy underworld of ticket scalping, where they encounter a variety of unsavory characters and shady deals. Along the way, they meet Harmon's two right-hand men, Arnie and Milt, who seem more interested in making a quick buck than in protecting their boss. The Simons also cross paths with a couple of con artists, a crooked cop, and a beautiful nightclub singer named Nikki, who may have a connection to the case.

As the Simons dig deeper, they discover that the threats against Harmon are more serious than they initially thought. Someone is willing to go to great lengths to shut down his operation, and it's not clear who is behind it all. The clues lead the brothers to a high-stakes card game, where they hope to catch the culprit in the act.

"The Hottest Ticket in Town" is a classic episode of Simon & Simon that showcases the show's blend of action, humor, and mystery. The story is fast-paced and entertaining, with several twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes. The banter between Rick and Andrew is as witty as ever, and their brotherly dynamic adds depth to the characters.

The episode also features a number of memorable guest stars, including William Sadler as Harmon, Robert Davi as Arnie, and Elya Baskin as Milt. Sadler brings a sense of desperation to his portrayal of Harmon, a man who is in over his head and doesn't know who he can trust. Davi and Baskin are both excellent as the bumbling henchmen, who provide comic relief amid the tension.

Overall, "The Hottest Ticket in Town" is a standout episode of Simon & Simon that highlights the show's strengths. It's a fun and engaging hour of television that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as those who appreciate good storytelling and well-drawn characters.