"McMillan and Wife" is a beloved television series that aired from 1971 to 1977, captivating audiences with its blend of mystery, humor, and romance. The show revolves around the life of San Francisco Police Commissioner Stewart McMillan and his wife, Sally, as they solve crimes and navigate their personal lives. This article provides a detailed episode guide for "McMillan and Wife," highlighting key plots, character developments, and memorable moments from each season.
Overview of McMillan and Wife
"McMillan and Wife" was part of the "Mystery Movie" series on NBC, featuring a rotation of detective shows. Starring Rock Hudson as Stewart McMillan and Susan Saint James as his wife, Sally, the show was known for its engaging storylines and the chemistry between the lead characters. Each episode typically featured a murder mystery that the McMillans would unravel, often with a mix of comedic elements.
Season 1 (1971-1972)
The first season introduced viewers to the McMillan couple and set the tone for the series. Here’s a brief overview of each episode:
- Episode 1: "Murder by the Book" - The series premiere introduces the McMillans as they investigate the murder of a famous author.
- Episode 2: "The Wayward Wife" - Sally goes undercover to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious disappearances.
- Episode 3: "The Anchor and the Devil" - A murder aboard a luxury yacht leads to unexpected revelations about the victim.
- Episode 4: "The Midnight Caper" - A jewel heist becomes personal when Sally's family heirloom is stolen.
- Episode 5: "The House That Wouldn't Die" - The couple investigates a haunted house linked to a recent murder.
- Episode 6: "The Man Who Knew Too Much" - A witness to a crime finds himself in danger, prompting the McMillans to protect him.
- Episode 7: "The Green-Eyed Monster" - Jealousy leads to murder in a love-triangle gone wrong.
- Episode 8: "The Man Who Wasn't There" - A case of mistaken identity complicates a murder investigation.
Season 2 (1972-1973)
The second season saw the series gain popularity, leading to more complex plots and character developments:
- Episode 1: "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers" - A comedy of errors ensues when a group of friends becomes involved in a murder.
- Episode 2: "Murder on the Rocks" - The McMillans dive into the world of high-stakes gambling to solve a crime.
- Episode 3: "The Woman in the Window" - A mysterious woman holds the key to a murder case.
- Episode 4: "The Devil's Advocate" - The couple faces off against a charismatic lawyer accused of murder.
- Episode 5: "A Matter of Honor" - A murder at a charity gala shakes the elite of San Francisco.
- Episode 6: "The Great Escape" - A prison break leads to a series of murders that the McMillans must untangle.
- Episode 7: "The Scent of Murder" - The investigation of a perfume mogul's death reveals dark secrets.
- Episode 8: "The Last Laugh" - A comedian's death during a performance prompts a comedic investigation.
Season 3 (1973-1974)
As the show progressed into its third season, the episodes became even more thrilling and intricate:
- Episode 1: "A Matter of Life and Death" - The couple faces a moral dilemma when a killer seeks revenge.
- Episode 2: "Murder, She Wrote" - A guest star, Angela Lansbury, brings her own flair to the investigation.
- Episode 3: "The Perfect Crime" - The McMillans uncover a plot that seems impossible to solve.
- Episode 4: "The Deadly Game" - A high-stakes poker game leads to deadly consequences.
- Episode 5: "The Long Goodbye" - A series of disappearances prompts a frantic search.
- Episode 6: "The Wrong Man" - The investigation into a wrongful imprisonment brings shocking revelations.
- Episode 7: "The Death of a Salesman" - The murder of a traveling salesman leads to an intricate web of deceit.
- Episode 8: "The Hidden Treasure" - A treasure hunt turns deadly as secrets are unearthed.
Season 4 (1974-1975)
The fourth season continued to deliver gripping mysteries and character growth:
- Episode 1: "The Price of Fame" - A celebrity's death exposes the dark side of fame.
- Episode 2: "Murder in the First Degree" - A high-profile trial becomes a focal point for a new murder.
- Episode 3: "The Man Who Knew Too Little" - A witness's memory loss complicates an investigation.
- Episode 4: "The Deadly Recipe" - A cooking competition turns into a deadly affair.
- Episode 5: "The Other Woman" - Love and jealousy collide in a murder case.
- Episode 6: "The Great Train Robbery" - A historic event is reimagined as a murder mystery.
- Episode 7: "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" - Espionage and murder intertwine in a high-stakes investigation.
- Episode 8: "The Last Testament" - A will becomes the center of a deadly family feud.
Season 5 (1975-1977)
The final season of "McMillan and Wife" brought closure to the beloved series:
- Episode 1: "The Perfect Murder" - The McMillans tackle a case that seems unsolvable.
- Episode 2: "Murder in the Family" - Family ties become dangerous in this gripping episode.
- Episode 3: "The Curse of the Pharaoh" - An archaeological dig turns deadly.
- Episode 4: "The Lady Vanishes" - A missing person case leads to shocking discoveries.
- Episode 5: "The Fall Guy" - A framed man seeks the McMillans' help to clear his name.
- Episode 6: "The Last Chance" - The couple faces their most difficult case yet.
- Episode 7: "The Big Deal" - A business scandal leads to murder.
- Episode 8: "The End of the Line" - The series finale wraps up the McMillans' journey with a poignant mystery.
Conclusion
"McMillan and Wife" remains a cherished classic in the realm of detective television series. Its unique combination of humor, romance, and mystery has left a lasting impression on viewers. The episode guide presented here serves as a resource for fans old and new, capturing the essence of each story and the beloved characters that brought them to life. Whether you’re revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, this guide provides a comprehensive look at the adventures of Stewart and Sally McMillan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'McMillan and Wife' about?
'McMillan and Wife' is a crime drama television series that aired from 1971 to 1977, featuring Rock Hudson as police commissioner Stewart McMillan and Sally Field as his wife, who often assists him in solving cases.
How many seasons did 'McMillan and Wife' have?
The series had a total of 6 seasons.
What were some of the most notable episodes of 'McMillan and Wife'?
Notable episodes include 'Murder by the Book', 'The Man Who Would Be Queen', and 'The Long Goodbye', which showcase the show's blend of humor and mystery.
When did 'McMillan and Wife' first premiere?
The show first premiered on September 16, 1971.
Who created 'McMillan and Wife'?
The series was created by Leonard Stern and was part of the 'Mystery Movie' anthology series on NBC.
Was 'McMillan and Wife' based on a book or original script?
'McMillan and Wife' was an original script and not based on any book.
What was the format of 'McMillan and Wife' episodes?
Each episode generally follows a self-contained mystery plot, often involving McMillan and his wife working together to solve crimes.
Did 'McMillan and Wife' receive any awards?
Yes, the series received several nominations and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1973.
Are there any spin-offs or related shows to 'McMillan and Wife'?
There are no direct spin-offs, but it was part of the NBC Mystery Movie series, which included other shows like 'Columbo' and 'McCloud'.
Where can I watch 'McMillan and Wife' today?
'McMillan and Wife' is available on various streaming platforms and may also be found on DVD collections or through digital purchase.
