Happy Birthday George Maharis : His first Naked City episode

George Maharis starred in four Naked City episodes, the first being "The Manhole."

Here he played a young man whose hero was a local criminal who died in the electric chair. Dream big! His name in this episode is "Stroke," short for his last name, Strokirch.

This is the DARKEST Naked City ever. Not the storyline. The lighting, or lack thereof. 

The plot: Stroke's father is a city worker in the sewers. He witnesses the brutal robbery of a shopkeeper friend. Trying to help, he gets beaten up himself. Stroke learns two of his own gang have done this. After giving them quite a beatdown for it, he announces he's getting guns for their next crime.

Meanwhile, the police have some sketches and take them to Mr. Strokirch, who's now back in his apartment. 

When Stroke returns home, there's a fine George Maharis performance. Pity it's too dark to see! 

At home, in a very dark apartment, Stroke can't control his anger. "Twenty years she's dead!" He accuses his father of keeping the place like a tomb for a mother he can't even remember. 

Stroke prepares his gang for their next big crime. Note: Over a decade later, Adam-12 had an episode where bank robbers disappear down a manhole. 

The police pursue the gang in the sewer and a loud gunfight takes place in the near total darkness. The police have flashlights. Who knows who is shooting at who?

 

Dad appears (in the dark) to confront his son and get him off the wrong path. They then come back into the light. 

Does the OPTIMO sign refer to cigars? Makes me realize I don't think Halloran lit up in this episode. Or maybe I just couldn't see it in the dark!