The Classic TV Archive - US Crime Series
Matt Houston (1982-85)
Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Rina Fox [Uploaded April 2018]
references:
TV Guide / Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com)
UCLA Film and Television Archive
Aaron Spelling productions (ASP)
for
ABC
Created by Lawrence Gordon
Executive Producers Aaron Spelling, Douglas S. Cramer & Lawrence Gordon
Producer Calvin Clements Jr.
US Detective series 1982-85 2hr Pilot TVM + 66 episodes x 60 min (3 seasons)
Starring:
Lee Horsley as Matt Houston
Pamela Hensley as C.J. Parsons
With:
Lincoln Kilpatrick as Lt. Michael Hoyt
John Aprea as Lt. Vince Novelli
Penny Santon as Mama Rosa Novelli
and Buddy Ebsen as Uncle Roy Houston (Season 3)
with:
Paul Brinegar ......... Lamar Pettybone
Dennis Fimple ....... Bo
George Wyner ...... Murray Chase
Cis Rundle ............. Secretary Lisa
Premise: Matt Houston, heir to an oil fortune, uses his money and time for his passion of detective work.
Music by Nelson Riddle
################ Matt Houston ################
############## Season 1 1982-83 ##############
##############################################
ABC Sundays 8-9pm
[01] Matt Houston: X-22 [2hr Premiere]
26Sep1982 ABC Sun
Teleplay by Ken Trevey
Directed by Richard Lang
Guest cast:
Barbara Carrera ........ Serena Gambaccinni
Dale Robertson ......... Wildcat Callahan
Jill St. John ................ Karen Ann Douglas
Art Metrano ................ Cody Wohl
De De Howard ........... Slim
Cal Bellini ................... Charlie Eagle
Mark Neely ................ Preston
Jenny Sherman ......... Taffy
Fred Biletnikoff ........... Whitely
Michael Lane ............. Reject
Synopsis:
When Nicolo Giambaccinni christens a new ocean liner, it blows up. Someone put nitroglycerin in the champagne.
Murder suspects include his daughter Serena, his mistress Karen Ann, Karen Ann's agent Cody, and investor Wildcat Callahan.
Matt is hired by Serena Giambaccinni, the Italian beauty to prove her innocence in the murder of her sadistic billionaire father.
[02] Matt Houston: STOP THE PRESSES
03Oct1982
Written by James L. Conway
Directed by Don Chaffey
Director of photography Dick Rawlings
Film Editor Samuel E. Beetley A.C.E.
Art Director Serge Krizman
Guest cast:
Bradford Dillman ....... Frank Graham
Herb Edelman .......... Wally Hanrahan
Murray Hamilton ....... Al Brodax
Heather Locklear ...... Cindy McNichol
Stuart Whitman .......... Carl 'The Champ' Ross
Malcolm-Jamal Warner .... Johnny Randolph
Special Cameo Appearance
Ramon Bieri ............. O'Brien
with
Charles Green .......... Thompson
Gordon Hanson ........ Male Aide
Fiona Gordon ............ Bikini Model
Victoria Peters ............ Levi Model
featuring Paula Jean Jones, Cis Rundle and Alex Donnelly ..... Secretaries
Synopsis:
Rag magazine publisher Al Brodax confronts four people who have sued him and lost when his gardener is murdered in his place.
[03] Matt Houston: DEADLY FASHION
17Oct1982
Teleplay by Stephen Lord
Story by Erica Byrne & F. Michael Johnson
Directed by Richard Lang
Guest cast:
Britt Ekland ........... Vera Martin
Cristina Ferrare .... Christina Berenson
Carol Lawrence .... Valeska Debrekan
Richard Selzer ...... Valentine St. Clair (as Mr. Blackwell)
Vic Tayback .......... Marvin Garth
featuring Paula Jean Jones, Cis Rundle and Alex Donnelly ..... Secretaries
Synopsis:
When a fashion designer is murdered, the prime suspect is a model who happens to be Houston's ex.
She turns to him for help and he looks at the man's wife, his partner, and a designer.
[04] Matt Houston: KILLING ISN'T EVERYTHING
24Oct1982
Written by Robert Bielak
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
John Beck .......... Dandy Randy Haines
Phyllis Davis ....... Andrea Lott
Forrest Tucker ... Coach Buck Turley
Scott Brady ......... Jock Stryker
Dick Butkus ........ Crusher Kawalski
Rockne Tarkington .... 'Too Mean' Malone
Alex Donnelley ..... Secretary Alex
Chick Hearn .......... Sportscaster
Synopsis:
When football team owner Jock Stryker is killed, suspicion falls on quarterback Randy, a friend of Houston's.
Many people wanted Stryker dead, including his abused girlfriend Andrea, his resentful gofer Crusher, and Coach Buck Turley.
[05] Matt Houston: WHO WOULD KILL RAMONA?
31Oct1982
Written by Michael Fisher
Directed by Richard Lang
Guest cast:
Janet Leigh .......... Ramona Launders
Cesar Romero ..... Miles Gantry
Kiel Martin ............ Bill Claudius
William Smith ....... J.D. Harris
Dabbs Greer
Jill Whelan ........... Molly Launders
Army Archerd ...... Himself
John Calvin .......... Todd Gallagher
Matt Collins .......... Salesman
Cindi Knight
Smidget
Paula Jean Jones
Synopsis:
Actress Ramona Landers reports to the set of her comeback film. Her young costar Todd Gallagher accuses her of drunkenness,
then gulps her drink and dies of poisoning. Houston interviews her husband and those involved with the film.
[06] Matt Houston: RECIPE FOR MURDER
07Nov1982
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by Hy Averback
Guest cast:
Sid Caesar .......... Prince Sergei Polansky
James Coco ....... J. Hamilton Goodfellow
David Hedison .... Pierre Cerdan
Hope Lange ........ Kate Riley
Misty Rowe .......... Terri Anton
Sue Fish .............. Kelly
Alex Donnelley .... Secretary Alex
Paula Jones ......... Secretary Dena
Synopsis:
Restaurant critic Roger Marsden's severed head is served in aspic to his snooty partner J Hamilton Goodfellow.
The cops suspect a restaurant owner whose eatery the critics panned. And then attempts are made on Goodfellow's life.
[07] Matt Houston: SHARK BAIT
21Nov1982
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by Corey Allen
Guest cast:
Dorothy Malone ...... Alice Landa
Lloyd Bochner ........ Scott Neville
Gary Frank .............. Wendell Murdoch
Don Gordon ............ Sam Gleason
Michelle Phillips ...... Glenda Collins
Elizabeth Foxx ........ Nancy
Jourdan Fremin ...... Emily
June Gilbert ............. Secretary
Synopsis:
Lifeguards at the beach are being fatally attacked by sharks. Before her daughter Sue becomes a victim, Alice Landa hired
Houston to find out if a shark can be programmed to kill.
[08] Matt Houston: THE KIDNAPPING
28Nov1982
Teleplay by Michael Fisher
Story by Tim Maschler
Directed by Barbara Peeters
Guest cast:
Cesare Danova ..... King Abdul Ibn Hasim
Tina Louise ........... Jessica Collier
Hugh O'Brian ........ Thomas 'Buck' McCune
Richard Romanus ... Prince Fahad Ibn Hasim
Paul Cavonis ........... Creeger
Tony La Torre ......... Ali
Stack Pierce ............ FBI Agent
Jeremy Sunderland ... Surfer
Synopsis:
The son of an Arab King is kidnapped while they're on his private plane while in flight. Later on recommendation of the
his personal pilot, an old friend of Houston's, he hires Houston. The King suspects that someone on the plane brought
the kidnapper on board. So while he does that, he learns that his son who was on his way for medical treatment has only a little time.
[09] Matt Houston: JOEY'S HERE
05Dec1982
Teleplay by Janis Hendler
Story by Robert C. Dennis
Directed by Jerome Courtland
Guest cast:
David Cassidy ........... John Gordon Boyd
Troy Donahue .......... William 'Willie' Hoyt
Norman Fell ............. Herman Burnham
Jessica Walter .......... Glynnis Durand
Monte Markham ....... Richard Hoyt
H.B. Haggerty ........... Bad News
Alex Donnelly ........... Secretary Alex
Maureen O'Connor .. Secretary
Synopsis:
When the owner of a company that manufactures among other things robots is killed by one. Murray asks Houston to help his friend,
the designer who was at odds with the man because he was planning to shut his project down. And among the suspects are the man's brother
who was battling him for control and an unscrupulous businessman whom Houston knows who was in the building at the time of the incident.
[10] Matt Houston: THE GOOD DOCTOR
12Dec1982
Teleplay by James L. Conway
Story by James L. Conway & Brad Radnitz
Directed by Don Weis
Guest cast:
Beverly Garland ........ Sarah Chapman
William Windom ....... Dr. Walter Belkamp
Gayle Hunnicutt ........ Dr. Kimberley Pryce
Gary Lockwood ........ Dr. Owen Denny
Cameron Mitchell ..... Barney Jenks
Jeanette Nolan ......... Cattle Annie Hickok
Susan Tolsky ............ Bernice
John Davis Chandler ... Hank
Norman Blankenship ... Tom
Bob K. Cummings ........ Chapman
Marii Mak ....... Tourist's Wife
Synopsis:
At a hospital fund-raiser, Dr. Belkamp is shot by waiter Tom Chapman, a former orderly whom Belkamp fired for being inept.
Chapman is killed while escaping.
[11] Matt Houston: THE ROCK AND THE HARD PLACE
02Jan1983
Written by Larry Alexander
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Dennis Cole ............. Dr. Warren Cozzeck
Dorian Harewood .... Jerry 'The Rock' Lennox
Richard Jaeckel ....... Kip Williams
Diane McBain .......... Nurse Marcia Bingham
Stan Shaw ............... Bubba Dax
George Takei .......... Sam Shima
Berlinda Tolbert ...... Janey Lennox
Jim Healy ................ TV Reporter
Glen Chin ............... Kabuki Player
Kelly Bennett .......... Secretary
Synopsis:
When a boxer goes out to dinner with his wife, doctor and promoter. The doctor's nurse who arrives wanted to talk to the boxer
but before she could she gets killed. His wife goes to Houston telling him that she thinks someone might be trying to kill her
husband because he's had a few close calls lately. But the boxer doesn't want Houston around.
[12] Matt Houston: THE PURRFECT CRIME
09Jan1983
Written by Calvin Clements Jr.
Directed by Mike Vejar
Guest cast:
Barbi Benton ........ Ava
Sonny Bono ......... Richard
Pat Crowley .......... Audrey
Zsa Zsa Gabor ..... Zizi
Gary Grimes ......... Buddy Young
Werner Klemperer ... Felix Randolph
Janis Paige ........... Lauren Calder
Ted White ............. Bart
Paul Micale ........... Singing Coach
Synopsis:
Cat food magnate Felix Randolph is killed by his pet tiger. The grounds-keeper is arrested but Houston thinks the killer is
one of four ex-wives, who accuse each other and cannot lay claim to the estate until the murder is solved.
[13] Matt Houston: THE YACHT CLUB MURDERS
16Jan1983
Written by Ned Wynn
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Alan Hale Jr. ........... Rawson Harmon IV
Shelley Berman ...... Dickie Bevak
Jimmy Baio ............. Jeb Harmon
Mary An Mobley ..... Honey Lewis
Dick Sargent ........... Binky Bradworth
Jean Kasem ........... Andrea
Daniel Greene ....... Gregory
Danone Simpson .. Christie
Karl Johnson ......... Andy
Cynthia Hayes ....... Secretary
Synopsis:
While being named Commodore of a yacht club, boorish Rawson Harmon IV is killed by a snake. Manager Honey Lewis asks
Houston to investigate. Suspects include Honey; her restless son Jeb; sleazy filmmaker Bevak; & gambler Binky.
[14] Matt Houston: WHOSE PARTY IS IT ANYWAY?
23Jan1983
Written by Larry Forrester
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Edward Mulhare .... Malcolm James Abercrombie
Barbara Rush ......... Lady Celeste Abercrombie
Kevin Brophy .......... Durwin Dunlap
Stella Stevens ......... Clover McKenna
Brett Halsey ............. Brogan
Megan Dunphy ....... Maureen
Richard Pierson ...... Carl
Synopsis:
Houston meets a client at his office and learns that all of them received the same message to meet at the officer.
They find themselves locked in and one by one they are killed.
[15] Matt Houston: GET HOUSTON
20Feb1983
Written by Calvin Clements Jr.
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Chuck Connors ........ Castanos
Ed Nelson ................ Fred Boethig
Don Stroud ............... Dirk Bronson
Chuck Hicks ............. Alvin Ambler
Gene Rutherford ...... Felix
Raymond St. Jacques ... Psychiatrist
Deidre Cole .............. Boethig's Secretary
Byron Morrow .......... Doctor
Maureen O'Connor ... Secretary
Synopsis:
When a man Houston sent to prison escapes, he then makes an attempt on Houston but gets Bo instead. Houston tries to
flush him by shaking down his old associates. He then learns that the man was broken out by a deranged billionaire who
became a serial killer whom he caught, who's been in an insane asylum, so he has to find out how he's doing it.
He also finds out that the man has recruited a couple of other men to get Houston.
[16] Matt Houston: THE VISITORS
27Feb1983
Written by Calvin Clements Jr.
Directed by Barbara Peeters
Guest cast:
Robert Alda ............. Dr. Ivan Mardosian
Dane Clark ............... Carl Burke
Shelley Fabares ...... Barbara Newton
David Groh .............. Stuart Glick
Dawn Wells ............. Cheryl Burke
Alex Henteloff ......... Marcel DuJon
Sandy Freeman ...... Elga
Lauren Lombardo .... Lauren
Char Richards .......... Tony
Maureen O'Connor ... Secretary
Synopsis:
A womanizing scientist Ivar Mardosian dies of an induced heart attack while in the desert with colleagues
awaiting alien contact. Houston finds out if this is a staged hoax, murder and if so who did it.
[17] Matt Houston: HERE'S ANOTHER FINE MESS
06Mar1983
Written by Robert Brennan
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Ernest Borgnine ........ Buster Ryan
Larry Harmon ............ Richard Hunter / Stan Laurel
Rebecca Holden ....... Carol LeMaster
Anne Jeffreys ............. Elisabeth Davis
Chuck McCann .......... Oliver Hardy
John Moschitta Jr. ...... Myron Chase
Andrew Robinson ...... Jonathan Renfield
Ann Turkel ................. Maureen Flanders
Danielle Aubry ........... Nurse
Freddie Lopez ........... Doctor
Maureen O'Connor ... Secretary
Synopsis:
Two men dressed like Laurel & Hardy try to kill C.J. Houston learns that some of her former sorority sisters have already
been victims, and that the man that they had been dating could be responsible. But others are marked for murder, too.
[18] Matt Houston: THE BEVERLY WOODS SOCIAL CLUB
13Mar1983
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
Jayne Meadows ....... Holly Harkens
Michael Constantine .... Police Chief
Don DeFore .............. Mayor
Bo Hopkins ............... Rev. Noah Sunday
Ben Murphy .............. Terry Noble
Ron Palillo ................. Charley Arbis
Natalie Schafer .......... Vonda Moran
Tony Brubaker .......... Odell
Tony Longo .............. Johnny Gucci
Gary Krakower .......... Brother Daniel
Michael Kavanagh .... Desk Sergeant
Synopsis:
During a carnival fund-raiser, vicious gossip columnist Vonda Moran is blown up because someone tampered with a
"strength test" mallet & ringing bell attraction. Houston is subsequently kidnapped and persuaded to investigate.
[19] Matt Houston: THE SHOWGIRL MURDERS
20Mar1983
Written by James L. Conway
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
Robert Goulet ......... Johnny Foster
George Chakiris ...... Brett Cole
Fred Grandy ............ Ted Baer
James Luisi ............. Lt. Reed
John Moschitta Jr. .. Myron Chase
Renee Taylor .......... Sheila Baer
Michael Cavanaugh ... Byron Stevens
Wendy Kilbourne .... Joyce
Jan McGill ................ Christie Nathan
Tim Rossovich ......... Rocco
Synopsis:
Alcoholic singer Johnny Foster wakes up with blood on his clothes and is arrested for killing several Vegas showgirls.
His friend Houston thinks he's innocent and sets out to find the real culprit.
[20] Matt Houston: FEAR FOR TOMORROW
03Apr1983
Written by Michael Fisher
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Tim O'Connor ........ Dr. Elias Baker
Ed Grover ............... Captain Kerrigan
Michael Halsey ....... Eric Brant
Lenore Kasdorf ....... Heather Flynn
Lynne Marta ............ Lila Durrant
Tori Spelling ........... Nelli Brant
Leigh Christian ........ Dr. Susan Rogers
Bruce M. Fischer
Eli Cummins ........... Tyler
Ruth Kobart ............ Nurse
Cindi Knight ........... Secretary
Synopsis:
Bloodied gunfire victim Eric Brandt lands in a passing car, hands the driver a codebook, and gives her a message for Houston:
Fear for Tomorrow. Brant dies when the car blows up. His assailants then go after Houston's buddy Vince Novelli.
[21] Matt Houston: A DEADLY PARLAY
10Apr1983
Teleplay by Skip Webster
Story by Skip Webster & E. Nick Alexander
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
Ron Ely ................ Winston Fowler
Peter Isacksen ...... Midge Moran
Lynn-Holly Johnson ..... Cindy Gaines
Gerald S. O'Loughlin ... Victor Macey
Rod Loomis ........ Knute
Paul Petersen ..... Detective Wilkinson
Burt Marshall ....... Policeman
Leigh Walsh ........ Secretary
Synopsis:
After Houston's friend Winston Fowler's top jockey Cindy Gaines breaches her contract with him to move to England, she is
fatally pitch-forked in a stable. Houston is found standing over her remains and subsequently arrested for her murder.
[22] Matt Houston: A NOVEL WAY TO DIE
17Apr1983
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by Corey Allen
Guest cast:
Norman Alden ....... Sheriff Tim Keeler
Richard Anderson .... Wayne Slocum
Joseph Campanella .... Nick Harrigan
Denny Miller ................ Jerry Fenton
Terry Moore ................ Emily Armor
Markie Post ................. Courtney Garner
John Moschitta Jr. ...... Myron Chase
Saverio LoMedico ...... Waiter
Synopsis:
At a mystery writers' convention where Houston is the keynote speaker, publisher Wayne Slocum shoots hated mystery writer
Emily Armor three times with a .45 magnum, then brazenly entreats his friend Houston to help solve her murder.
[23] Matt Houston: THE HUNTED
24Apr1983
Written by Calvin Clements Jr.
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Martin Landau ............ Marquis Duval Sr.
Mark Shera ................. Marquis Duval Jr.
Elyssa Davalos ........... Carla
Denis Gauthier ........... Lolita
Lee Patterson ............. Attorney
Bradley Fisher ............ Reporter
Synopsis:
Marquis Duval Sr. kidnaps C.J. and holds her hostage. As ransom, he demands that Houston arrange for his son,
whom Houston considers a terrorist, to be released from prison.
################ Matt Houston ################
############## Season 2 1983-84 ##############
##############################################
ABC Fridays 10-11pm
2.01 [24] Matt Houston: HERITAGE
09Sep1983
Written by Calvin Clements Jr.
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
Lloyd Bochner ......... Elgin Cody
Lloyd Bridges .......... Virgil Wade / Wade Matlock
Rebecca Holden ..... Sharon Dardis
Don Stroud ............... Cord Cody
David Wayne ............ Bill Houston
William Windom ....... Dr. Walter Belkamp
Felipe Turich ............ Santos
Ken Jones ................. Reporter
Eleanor Mondale ...... Reporter
Lew Saunders ........... Clerk
Synopsis:
A trip to back home to Texas to investigate suspicious stalkers proves unsettling when Matt learns the truth about his heritage.
2.02 [25] Matt Houston: THE WOMAN IN WHITE
16Sep1983
Teleplay by Skip Webster
Story by Larry Alexander
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Don Johnson .......... Terry Spence
Rebecca Balding ..... Nan Kimball
Cliff Emmich ............. Mr. Moto
Robert F. Lyons ....... Wade Kimball
Heather O'Rourke ... Sunny Kimball
Kim Hamilton ........... Judge
Fay Hauser .............. Charity
Joseph Ruskin ......... Jerome Valentine
Judith Baldwin
Corinne Kason
Buck Taylor
Synopsis:
A former peace officer is jailed and under arrest for murder, but he might not have committed the crime.
2.03 [26] Matt Houston: LOVE YOU TO DEATH
23Sep1983
Written by Robert Bielak
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Kristen Meadows .. Erin Brown
Floyd Levine ......... Dr. Osgood
Rod Loomis ........... Dr. Michaels
Peter Naar ............. Gregory
Ray Galvin ............. Josh Curry
Victor Rendina ...... Locksmith
Paul Petersen ........ Cop
Harry Grant
Ellen Snortland
Synopsis:
Houston becomes the object of a woman's obsession
2.04 [27] Matt Houston: THE CENTERFOLD MURDERS
30Sep1983
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
J.D. Cannon
Sharon Acker .......... Deena
Bart Braverman ........ Orson Lowe
Paul Cavonis ............ Lennie Dunbruhl
Elaine Giftos ............. Nikki Sheffield
Joe Penny ................ Eric Jason
Apollonia Kotero ...... Gilda Rivera
Lynn Whitfield .......... Val
D.D. Howard ............ Sandy
William Bryant .......... Powers
Connie Downing ..... Debbie
Karen Witter ............. Centerfold
Synopsis:
A maniac is stalking women in a centerfold contest.
2.05 [28] Matt Houston: NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK
07Oct1983
Written by Daniel J. Pyne
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
Ramon Bieri ........ Insp. Cory McFadden
Elyssa Davalos .... Gabrielle Delgado
Rick Jason ........... Murdock
Sydney Lassick ... Brady
Edith Diaz ............ Mrs. Maria Estrada
Rudy Ramos ........ Vincent Garcia
Tom Simcox ........ Gershwin
Fred Pinkard ........ Mueller
Peter Schreiner ... Owens
Danny A. Romero ... Mexican Captain
Rafael Campos ... Taxi Driver
David Comfort ..... Mexican Kid
Synopsis:
Houston's attempt to break up an illegal-alien smuggling ring leads him to a search for a boy who needs life-saving medication.
2.06 [29] Matt Houston: MARILYN
21Oct1983
Written by Robert Brennan
Directed by Barbara Peters
Guest cast:
Katie La Bourdette ... Marilyn Monroe
Charles Dierkop ...... Choo Choo
Bruce Fairbairn ....... Jim Kirby
Fred Lerner ............ Kyle
Steve Peck ............. Mitchel
Fran Ryan .............. Maggie
Scott Thomas ........ Reardon
Diana Bellamy ....... Mary
Mac Downs .......... Tommy
Russ McCubbin ... Eddie
Michael McClure .. Valet
Synopsis:
Houston must find a mobster's mistress, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike, before she literally becomes a dead ringer.
2.07 [30] Matt Houston: THE GHOST OF CARTER GAULT
28Oct1983
Teleplay by Jud Scott
Story by Steven Thornley
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
J.D. Cannon ......... Perone
Natalie Gregory .... Jodie
Luke Askew ......... McKinney
Robin Dearden .... Constance
David S. Cass Sr... Jacobs
Fran Bennett ........ Lucille
Le Tari .................. Philly
William E. Noone ..... Carter Gault
Patti Been ............. Connie Gault
Robert Gibson ...... Father Joe
Polly Magaro ........ Nancy
Joe Handy ............ Intern
Synopsis:
Houston protects a reporter targeted by a corrupt union official.
2.08 [31] Matt Houston: CHINA DOLL
04Nov1983
Written by James L. Conway
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
Christopher Connelly ..... Harry Carter
George Cheung ............. Yen
John Fujioka ................... Soo Chin
Henry Kingi .................... Hoy
Peter Kwong ................. Sam Ling
Rockne Tarkington ....... Too Mean Malone
Marion Yue ................... Connie Ling
Mickey Morton .............. Leon
T.J. Castronova ............. Frank
Daniel Greene .............. McNeal
Dawna Lee Heising ..... Lon Yet
Rawn Hutchinson ........ Hallick
Synopsis:
C.J. tries to prove that her murdered friend was not smuggling heroin for a Chinatown crime boss.
2.09 [32] Matt Houston: BUTTERFLY
18Nov1983
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
Rachael Lindsay Greenbush ..... Butterfly
Steven Keats ........ Hadley Riley
Peter MacLean ..... Judge Nicholas C. Whiterwood
Trisha Noble ......... Melinda
Ken Olandt ............ Scottie
Annette Sinclair ..... Marcia
Beau Starr .............. Yanoz
Jacqueline Ray ...... Margot
Kellye Nakahara ..... Charlene
Gerald York ............ Minister
Synopsis:
Houston searches for the endangered sister of a prostitute who was found dead in the trunk of his car.
2.10 [33] Matt Houston: THE CRYING CLOWN
25Nov1983
Written by Daniel J. Pyne
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
Keene Curtis ....... Bruno
Herb Edelman .... Dexter
Jack Kruschen .... Jonas Van Poolen
Marta DuBois ....... Daphne
John Matuszak .... Harold
Jophery Brown .... Kenneth
Synopsis:
Houston acquires a painting that attracts a ruthless art collector, who will do anything to get it.
2.11 [34] Matt Houston: THE OUTSIDER
02Dec1983
Written by Calvin Clements Jr.
Directed by Michael Vejar
Guest cast:
Robert Walker Jr. ...... Adrian Harcomb
Bruce M. Fischer ...... Sherman Perczack
Peter Hurkos ............. Himself
Wendy Girard ............ Officer Owens
Paul Comi .................. Mr. Morano
Betty Karlen ............... Mrs. Morano
Victor Rogers ............ Mr. Vanadam
Grace Simmons ........ Mrs. Vanadam
Lynn Herring ............. Waitress
Corinne Kason .......... Wife
Curtis Taylor .............. Bouncer
Angela Black
Synopsis:
Houston is suspicious of a blind psychic who locates and saves a kidnap victim about to be crushed to death.
2.12 [35] Matt Houston: TARGET: MISS WORLD
23Dec1983
Written by Robert Brennan
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Judson Scott ...... Andre / Allen Garvey
Stephen Shortridge ... Scott Townsend
Carmen Zapata ...... Mary Begay
Casey Kasem ......... Master of Ceremonies
Rudy Diaz .............. Charlie
Paul Picerni ............Friend
Zelda Rubinstein .... Flower Girl
Mark Schneider ...... Detective Marlowe
Don Jerrard ............ Nicholas Papas
Ava Cadell
Joan Chen
Synopsis:
Houston is stalked by an international hit man with a monstrous killing style.
2.13 [36] Matt Houston: THE MONSTER
06Jan1984
Teleplay by Daniel Pyne
Story by Michael Fisher
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
F. Lee Bailey ......... Himself
Robert Carnegie ... Toby King
Tom Hallick ........... Robert Hackett
L.Q. Jones ............ Sheriff Loftus
Chip Lucia ............ Coach Salenger
William Lucking .... Roy Turner
DeAnna Robbins ... Linda Karlin
David Wallace ........ Tommy
Patricia Allison ........ Mrs. Karlin
Charlie Jenkins ....... Floyd
Vince Deadrick Sr. ... Officer Martin
Noelle Harling ...... Gwen
Michael D'Agosta .... Richard
Denise Holland ........ Mary Ann
Dolores Mann ........... Martha
Bill Smillie .................. Bartender
Synopsis:
C.J. is asked to defend a murderer of four teenagers in a very hostile small town.
2.14 [37] Matt Houston: WALTZ OF DEATH
13Jan1984
Teleplay by Daniel Pyne
Story by Scott Shepherd & Robert Bielak
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
George Chakiris ..... Clark Sawyer
Pat Klous ................ Andrea Flynn
William Schallert .... Colin Breen
Norman Alden ....... Harley Kelton
Rockne Tarkington ... Malone
Pamela Brull ............ Rachel
Paul Laurence ........ Yeager
Patrick Stack ........... Manners
Christie Claridge ..... Blonde
Terry Arthur ............ Girl
Cherie Michan ........ Waitress
Synopsis:
Houston is obsessed with stopping a killer who strangles a blonde every time he hears a certain song.
2.15 [38] Matt Houston: HOUSTON IS DEAD
20Jan1984
Written by Michael Fisher
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
David Wayne ..... Bill Houston
Alan Fudge ....... Dr. Otis Barnwell
C.J. Hincks ........ Stella
Jonathan Banks
Wendy Kilbourne
Lonny Chapman ... Stu
Paul Koslo ............. Andrew
Marian McKnight ... Lil
Anne Bruner .......... Meg
Ruth Kobart ............ Nurse
Pamela Brown
Dinah Anne Rogers
Synopsis:
A nurse is murdered when she uncovers improprieties at a convalescent home, a fate that awaits Houston if he gets in the way.
2.16 [39] Matt Houston: CRISS-CROSS
27Jan1984
Written by Stephen Lord
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
Henry Beckman ....... Talbot
Anthony James ........ Thatcher
Morgan Woodward .. Lazar
Anthony DeLongis ... Klein
Guy Doleman ........... Rudy Bezmer
John Gladstein ......... Dr. Bern
Mark Schneider ....... Det. Marlowe
Catherine Ferrar ...... Jennifer
Ian Giatti .................... Arnold
Vaughn Armstrong
Arnold Bankston
Synopsis:
Houston's old friend Novelli, now an ex-cop, has been framed for a drug theft and murder.
2.17 [40] Matt Houston: THE BIKINI MURDERS
03Feb1984
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
George Maharis ..... Dr. Charles Brockway
Caren Kaye ............ Karen Andrews
David Graf .............. Ernest
John Dennis Johnston .... Taggart
Ingrid Anderson ..... Paula
Laura Chase ........... Sandra Osbourne
Robin Ignico ........... Amy
Barbara Edwards
Veronica Gamba
Mary Lynne Gehr
Marianne Gravatte
Kymberly Herrin
Trisha Long
Heidi Sorenson
Dona Speir
Synopsis:
Houston investigates the murder of a secretary whose psychiatrist boss is blackmailing a wealthy patient.
2.18 [41] Matt Houston: DEATH MATCH
24Feb1984
Written by Robert Brennan
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
Cristina Raines ....... Lisa Taylor
John Calvin ............ Randall Prescott
Dana Elcar ............. Mayor Akers
Ella Raines ............. Dorothy Prescott
Joe Parker ............. Perkins
Ed Couppee .......... Marsh
Ann Bronston ......... Colleen
Elizabeth Foxx ....... Claire
Diane Hetfield ......... Swimmer
Synopsis:
Houston jumps at the chance to settle an old score when a killer he never caught resurfaces and issues a deadly challenge.
2.19 [42] Matt Houston: BLOOD TIES
02Mar1984
Written by Daniel Pyne
Directed by William Crain
Guest cast:
Lou Ferrigno ....... Steve Otto
Nita Talbot ........... Dr. Jayne Wright
David Wayne ....... Bill Houston
Charles Dierkop ... Viney
Carl Steven ........... Young Matt
Kate Charleson ..... Patrice
Mark Schneider .... Det. Marlowe
Rockne Tarkington ... Too Mean Malone
Rigg Kennedy ....... Dr. Zahn
Michael Collins ..... Jogger
Pamela Dunlap ..... Nurse
Larry Margo ........... Paramedic
Synopsis:
A ritualistic killer of prominent businessmen targets Houston's ailing father as his next victim.
2.20 [43] Matt Houston: THE SECRET ADMIRER
09Mar1984
Written by Calvin Clements Jr.
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
Marjoe Gortner ...... Christian Dean
Barbara Horan ....... Elaine
Christopher Stone .. Carl
Jack Hogan
Nancy Andrews
Rockne Tarkington ... Too Mean Malone
Pat Green ........... Officer Harris
Paul Ligotino ...... Paul
Paul Petersen .... Officer Fredericks
Sandy Martin ...... Policewoman
Synopsis:
A mentally disturbed man from C.J.'s past wants to possess her and will kill anyone who stands in his way.
2.21 [44] Matt Houston: CASH AND CARRY
23Mar1984
Written by James L. Conway
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
Alex Rocco ........ Mick Logan
Stuart Pankin ...... Farley Ward
Jo Ann Pflug ...... Nora Logan
Sal Richards ...... Vic Valentine
Patrick Wayne ... Jack Wolcott
Ty Henderson ... Eli
Michael Swan .... Casey
Joseph Sirola ..... Uncle Phil
Ben Bates ........... Robson
Jenny Sherman ... Julie
Lewis Arquette ..... City Councilman Roberts
Synopsis:
Houston vows to bring down a businessman involved in murder and in laundering mob money.
2.22 [45] Matt Houston: ON THE RUN
30Mar1984
Written by Michael Fisher
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Andrew Prine ...... Truman Masters
Gary Lockwood ... Sheriff
Stefan Gierasch .... Monty Parks
Lloyd Bochner ...... Elgin Cody
Pat Klous ............... Officer Andrea Flynn
Kevin Brophy ........ Slim
Ron Pinkard .......... Agent Mercer
Julie Inouye .......... Bernadette
Tom Howard ........ Baker
Rod Loomis ......... District Attorney
Maia Brewton ...... Slim's Girl
Rawn Hutchinson
Synopsis:
Matt awakens in his penthouse after a month-long absence, remembering nothing and finding himself accused of murder.
################ Matt Houston ################
############## Season 3 1984-85 ##############
############### (Final Season) ###############
ABC Fridays 10-11pm
3.01 [46] Matt Houston: WANTED MAN
21Sep1984
Written by Michael Fisher
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
Buddy Ebsen ......... Roy Houston
Andrew Prine ......... Peter Martin Delaney
Mary Wickes .......... Nellie Cochran
George Cheung .... Lin
Kim Hamilton ......... Nathaniel's Mother
Bumper Robinson .... Nathaniel
Rudy Ramos .......... Deputy Henry
Royce Applegate .... Biler
Ancel Cook ............. Counter Man
Jeff Dahlgren .......... Pizza Delivery Boy
Ward Emling .......... Man
Synopsis:
Houston is still on the run and is trying to find the one responsible but has no leads. But when he meets a gifted child who tells
him to seek out the help of his family. But Houston says he has no family except for his Uncle Roy who is a former member of the CIA.
3.02 [47] Matt Houston: VANISHED
28Sep1984
Written by Michael Fisher
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
James Olson ......... Calib Martin
Herb Edelman ....... Mr. Osborne
Laurence Haddon .... Cassidy
Judyann Elder ....... Ann Hoyt
Anthony Leonardi .... Dimaggio
Bumper Robinson ... Nathaniel
Steve Doubet ......... Doctor
John Brandon ........ Captain
Buddy Farmer ........ Commander
Clare Nono ............. Reporter
Synopsis:
Hoyt's daughter is kidnapped, but when Hoyt and Houston nail a suspect they learn that their illegal tactics may set him free.
3.03 [48] Matt Houston: EYEWITNESS
12Oct1984
Written by
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
Simon MacCorkindale ... Robert Tyler
Louise Sorel .......... Barbara Daniels
Michael Cavanaugh ... George Davis
Guy Doleman ........ Richard Daniels
Ed Ruffalo ........ Foster
Arnold Bankston ...... Eddie
Synopsis:
Houston suspects that C.J.'s newscaster boyfriend masterminded a kidnapping aimed at furthering his TV career.
3.04 [49] Matt Houston: APOSTLE OF DEATH
19Oct1984
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Richard Lynch ....... Jesse Mercer
Wendy Smith Howard .... Peg Allyson
Larry Anderson ....... Carl
Rebecca Balding ...... Sarah
Danil Torppe ......... Scanlon
David Wallace ........ Emmett Allyson
Byron Morrow ....... Adamson
Reid Randall ........ Ryan
John Blackwood ..... Chauffeur
Larry McCormick ........ Newsman
Synopsis:
While trying to free a religious-cult member, Houston and C.J. are captured by the group's leader,
who's after the disciple's $3 million inheritance.
3.05 [50] Matt Houston: CAGED
26Oct1984
Written by William T. Conway
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
R.G. Armstrong ....... Bert
Ramon Bieri ............ Sheriff Butz
Brett Halsey ............ Seymour Piser
Jamie Rose ............ Rhonda
Julie Carmen .......... Fran
Cynthia Cypert ........ Cynthia
Bruce M. Fischer ... Jake
Diane Robin .......... Babs
Buck Young .......... Deputy Jenkins
Ron Soble ............ Womart
Synopsis:
C.J. is trapped in a county jail where a crooked sheriff sells the female prisoners into prostitution.
3.06 [51] Matt Houston: RETURN TO NAM (Part 1)
02Nov1984
Written by Daniel Pyne & Scott Shepherd
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
Max Baer Jr........... Andy McKay
Michael Goodwin .... Will Houston
Robert Loggia ....... Decker
Kieu Chinh .......... Mrs. Li
Khigh Dhiegh ...... Tijo
James Hampton .... Stevens
Soon-Tek Oh ........ The Warlord
Rockne Tarkington ..... Malone
Maxwell Morrow ........ Soldier
Joseph Hieu ........ Soldier
Baoan Coleman ..... Soldier
Synopsis:
Houston and Roy get information that Roy's son who is an MIA in Vietnam is alive.
3.07 [52] Matt Houston: ESCAPE FROM NAM (Part 2)
09Nov1984
Written by Daniel Pyne & Scott Shepherd
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
Max Baer Jr........... Andy McKay
Michael Goodwin .... Will Houston
Robert Loggia ....... Decker
James Hampton .... Stevens
Cliff Osmond ........... Alexi Karpov
Soon-Tek Oh ........ The Warlord
Le Tuan ....... Head Guard
April Tran ........ Lily
Baoan Coleman ..... Soldier
Dennis Phung ...... Soldier
Leland Sun ......... Soldier
Synopsis:
The Cambodian warlord who has imprisoned Matt's cousin might be getting a little help from someone close to Matt.
3.08 [53] Matt Houston: THE HIGH FASHION MURDERS
16Nov1984
Written by James L. Conway
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Vera Miles ....... Mary Haywood
James Read .... Fletcher / Jason Haywood
Richard Bakalyan ..... Jimmy
Janice Heiden ......... Katherine Collins
Jennifer Wallace ...... Deborah
Christie Claridge ...... Julie
Judy Strangis
William Mims ......... Tony
Russ McCubbin ......... Stevens
Jeri Gaile ......... Model
Michael D'Agosta ...... Fisherman
Synopsis:
A woman with mob connections puts out a contract on Houston, who's about to expose her son as a homicidal maniac.
3.09 [54] Matt Houston: DEATH STALK
23Nov1984
Written by Robert Brennan
Directed by Mike Vejar
Guest cast:
Judson Scott .......... Andre / Allen Garvey
Gail Youngs ............ Dr. Carrie Russell
Paul Kent ......... Judge Granger
Adam Ageli ........ Yakoob
Michael Hanks ......... Leland
Mark Schneider ........ Det. Marlowe
Angela Black ........... Reporter
Branscombe Richmond .... Motorcyclist
Synopsis:
A killer Houston put behind bars is freed on a technicality and tells Houston that he's going to kill him.
3.10 [55] Matt Houston: BLOOD MONEY
30Nov1984
Written by Stephen Lord
Directed by Don Chaffey
Guest cast:
James Shigeta ........ Lin Ha
Scott Marlowe ......... John
Jenny Sherman ...... Melanie Webster
Denny Miller ............ Dolchek
Catherine Ferrar ...... Vicki
Paul Eiding .............. Auctioneer
Synopsis:
Houston's gold-digging high-school friend unwittingly becomes part of a con man's scheme to smuggle jewels.
3.11 [56] Matt Houston: DEADLY GAMES
07Dec1984
Teleplay by Daniel Pyne
Story by David Florimbi
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
Stuart Whitman ......... McCormick
Katherine Cannon ...... Didi Adams
Gary Hudson ........ Mick Gifford
Mindi Iden ........ Lisa
David S. Sheiner ...... Ian
Rosemarie Thomas ...... Leslie
Mike Tully .......... William
Ron Ray ......... Golfer
Synopsis:
Houston is out to prove that a millionaire is luring athletes to his estate, where he hunts them down for sport.
3.12 [57] Matt Houston: STOLEN
21Dec1984
Written by Margie Gordon
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Robert Reed ....... Bradley Denholm
Kay Lenz ......... Cassie Stanley
Burr DeBenning .... Jake
Gayle Gannes ...... Tina
Hank Brandt ....... Robert Amsterdam
Melendy Britt ...... Sheila Amsterdam
Daphne Reid ....... Mrs. Richards
Nigel Bullard ........ Mr. Richards
Ann McCurry ..... Lila
Gloria Charles ....... Mother
Mark W. Travis ..... Director
Synopsis:
Houston is hired by an actress claiming to have spotted her son, abducted a year ago.
3.13 [58] Matt Houston: THE NIGHTMARE MAN
04Jan1985
Teleplay by Daniel Pyne
Story by Michael Fisher
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
John McCook ...... Frank Denton
John P. Ryan ....... Bart
Gene Davis .......... Billy Collins
Chad Allen ........... Patrick
Deborah Winters .... Agent Annie Stratten
Rex Ryon ........ Orderly
Larry Turk ......... Driver
Vince McKewin
Marty Schiff
Synopsis:
The man who kidnapped and terrorized Houston as a boy resurfaces, and Houston's only lead is the man's accomplice, who's in a mental hospital.
3.14 [59] Matt Houston: BREAKPOINT
11Jan1985
Written by Robert Brennan
Directed by Peter Crane
Guest cast:
Michael Goodwin ........ Will Houston
Lauren Chase ......... Holly Talbert aka Mary Atkins
Norman Alden ........ Lt. Manson
Gary Wood .......... Fiskus
Eugene Morris ......... Johnny
Herman Poppe ........ Guido
Joe E. Tata ......... Dr. Dyre
Steven Chambers ........ Jingles
Lisa Frantz ......... Nurse
Steve Doubet ......... Doctor
James Carroll Jordan ...... Reporter
Victor Rendina ...... Vendor
Synopsis:
With his cousin Will poised on a ledge ready to jump, Houston searches for the woman Will is in love with.
3.15 [60] Matt Houston: DEATH TRAP
18Jan1985
Written by Richard Fisher
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest cast:
Andrew Robinson
William Lanteau
Elizabeth Lyn Fraser
William Cort ....... Grant Seavers
Scatman Crothers ...... Moonshine Moody
John Crawford ....... Sherrif Ferris
Maia Brewton ........ Young C.J.
Joan Sweeny .......... Julia Martin
Daryl Anderson ....... Kress
Synopsis:
C.J. and Roy anger the townsfolk when they turn up evidence that a local man embezzled money to drill for oil that could save the dying town.
3.16 [61] Matt Houston: THE HONEYMOON MURDERS
25Jan1985
Written by Steven Whitney
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
Robert F. Lyons ....... Perry Brandon
John Lansing ........... Cyrus Benson
Lori Haller ............... Nora Fulton
Bruce Fairbairn ....... Paul Chapman
Paul Picerni ............. Dr. Bradley Perlin
MacKenzie Allen ..... Jeff Sloan
Robert Clarke ........... Priest
Cliff Murdock ............. Minister
Lurene Tuttle ............ Florist
Harry Waters Jr. ....... Guard
Dorothy Butts ........... Supervisor
Synopsis:
Houston's friend commits suicide after his bride is murdered by a serial killer with a predilection for newlywed women.
3.17 [62] Matt Houston: THE BEACH CLUB MURDERS
01Feb1985
Written by William T. Conway
Directed by Cliff Bole
Guest cast:
Deborah Adair ......... Zoey Martin
Geoffrey Scott .......... Ted Peterson / John Logan
Haven Earle Haley .... Leonard Carlysle
Richard Herd ............. Patrick Moffitt
Valerie Wildman ........ Beth Thompson
Wayne King .............. York
Anthony Leonardi ..... Detective
Patty Lotz .............. Desk Clerk
Debra Thornton ... Guest
Synopsis:
A detective has a personal stake in Houston's murder-extortion case: one of the victims was her sister.
3.18 [63] Matt Houston: NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE
08Feb1985
Written by Mike Robe
Directed by Mike Robe
Guest cast:
Ellen Bry .......... Bess Jordan
Ray Walston .... Clyde
Richard Anderson .......... Carl Conrad
Robert Fuller .......... Phillip Caulder
John Anderson ...... Capt. Conroy
Shari Belafonte ....... Joanna
Haven Earle Haley ...... Leonar Carlysle
Laura Carlson ...... Vi Charles
David S. Cass Sr. ..... Morris
Wayne King ........... York
Tom Finnegan
Jayson Kane
Synopsis:
Houston scours New Orleans to find a reporter who witnessed a group's hit men performing a ritual execution.
3.19 [64] Matt Houston: COMPANY SECRETS
15Feb1985
Teleplay by Scott Shepherd
Story by Tom Edwards
Directed by Charles Picerni
Guest cast:
Celeste Holm ...... Catherine Hershey
Andrew Duggan .... Darnell
Jack Gwillim ....... Freddie
John Davis Chandler ... Roman Petrovich
Cliff Osmond ........ Alexei Carpov
Jack Kruschen ....... Reels
James Almanzar ... Uri
Cheryl Anderson
Synopsis:
Roy fakes his own funeral when members of his CIA team are eliminated one at a time by a man they exposed as a double agent years ago.
3.20 [65] Matt Houston: KILLING TIME
22Feb1985
Written by Daniel Pyne
Directed by Mike Vejar
Guest cast:
Ivor Barry .......... Lloyd Hodgkins
Dennis Romer .... Peter Kincaid
Kerrie Keane ....... Elizabeth
Gavan O'Herlihy ... Michael Sheridan
Taryn Power ...... Deborah
Anne Wyndham ... Adelle
Mark Schneider ... Det. Marlowe
Steve Doubet .... Doctor
Gail Cameron ... Nurse
Michael Alldredge ..... Bartender
Robina Suwol ...... Travel Agent
Rachel Bard
A man plans to brainwash his sister into signing their father's estate over to him.
3.21 [66] Matt Houston: DEATH WATCH
15Mar1985
Written by Robert Earll
Directed by William Crain
Guest cast:
James Luisi ...... Greco
Frank Bonner .... Fred
Richard Devon ... Harris
Charles Boswell ... Tony
Elizabeth Lindsey .... Becky
J. Victor Lopez .... Ruiz
Barbara Kerwin ... Alice
Kim Kerwin ........ Lisa
Belinda Balaski ..... Lois
Ted Barba .... Thug
Synopsis:
Hoyt enlists Houston, Roy and C.J. to bust a cop dealing cocaine, but crooks decide to kill the
cop and Hoyt's team is caught in the crossfire.
3.22 [67] Matt Houston: FINAL VOWS [Final Episode]
29Mar1985
Written by Skip Webster
Directed by James L. Conway
Guest cast:
Chuck McCann ..... Adam Booth
Kerrie Keane ............ Elizabeth
Greta Blackburn ...... Anne
Judy Brown ........ Liz
Al Checco ....... Morris
Patty Lotz .......... Donna
Steve Doubet ....... Doctor
Robert Clarke ........ Minister
Richard Delmonte .... Cop
John Miranda ..... Chauffeur
Simmy Bow ........ Vendor
Shari Shattuck
Mary Ellen Dunbar
Terence Wright
Synopsis:
Houston's wedding preparations are disrupted by a homicidal maniac who taunts Houston with
phone calls naming his victims just before killing them.
