Tonight 50 years ago, CBS aired S06E05 "The Sunday Torch".
Of course, it's not Sunday today but it is Canadian Thanksgiving - so Happy Thanksgiving!
This episode is a little convoluted, so I'm going to link to Mr. Mike's review right off the bat. It's here: https://www.fiveohomepage.com/5-0log6.htm#125
The bottom line of the show is that a pharmaceutical head Otis Klepper (Lyle Bettger) is in big trouble. He has a huge military contract but the auditors are about to lay down the hammer and put him out of business due to multiple cases of hepatitis from his cheap methods. He hires a "torch", Porter (Tom Simcox), to burn the place down. However, they need to set up someone to take the fall. Enter Ray Stokely (Michael Anderson, Jr.) who has had a past of arson.
Honolulu is on guard at the start with fires being started every Sunday. Both HFD and HPD are on full alert with the Five-O team in the mix. They stop one guy (Lippy Espinda) who broke into a school to finish a project but forgot his key. This is a mere distraction, however, when a major building goes up.
At the real fire, Porter films everyone in attendance and that's how Stokely is singled out. A careful frame-up happens with Klepper's wife (Jo Pruden) who goes as far as locking Stokely up so he doesn't have an alibi when the factory catches fire.
Things unravel quickly once Five-O uncovers Klepper's problems. Stokely is brought in to identify Mrs. Klepper, who wore a blonde wig at the time of her encounter with Stokely. Klepper then breaks down and tells McGarrett everything about Porter and the plan to burn the plant. Porter is arrested on his way to the airport because the firebug in him can't resist fire.
This is an okay episode for me. I always enjoy watching Michael Anderson, Jr. in his guest appearances. His psychiatrist, Dr. Bishop (Jean Tarrant) defends Stokely to McGarrett adamantly multiple times. Turns out, she's right! I don't think we ever see McGarrett apologize to her, but I could be wrong.
There is a cool opening sequence with the car making a u-turn right now with Danno as a passenger. There are people posted everywhere to keep their eyes peeled for smoke. It's nice to see the Five-O team right there in the mix!
Happy 50th, "The Sunday Torch"!!