The Name of the Game
This groundbreaking series had three rotating stars who were featured in independent episodes tied together by a loose common theme: Howard Publications, the publishing empire of Glenn Howard. Episodes featuring Howard focused on his business and political confrontations and his flamboyant lifestyles. Other episodes featured Jeff Dillon, a crusading investigative reporter, and Dan Farrell, a retired FBI agent who used his position as the editor of Crime Magazine to wage a literary war against organized crime. The series had several semi-regulars, including editorial assistant Peggy Maxwell and junior reporters Joe Sample, Andy Hill, and Ross Craig.
- 1968-1971
- 3 seasons
- NBC
- Action & Adventure, Drama, Suspense
- TV-PG
This groundbreaking series had three rotating stars who were featured in independent episodes tied together by a loose common theme: Howard Publications, the publishing empire of Glenn Howard. Episodes featuring Howard focused on his business and political confrontations and his flamboyant lifestyles. Other episodes featured Jeff Dillon, a crusading investigative reporter, and Dan Farrell, a retired FBI agent who used his position as the editor of Crime Magazine to wage a literary war against organized crime. The series had several semi-regulars, including editorial assistant Peggy Maxwell and junior reporters Joe Sample, Andy Hill, and Ross Craig.
Season 1 Episode Guide
26 Episodes 1968 - 1969
Episode 1
Fear of High Places
Fri, Sep 20, 1968 75 mins
The mysterious death of a woman who claimed to be the mistress of a married public figure sends Jeff Dillon investigating.
Episode 2
Witness
Fri, Sep 27, 1968 73 mins
Jean Thorndyke is the woman who knows too much - and Dan Farrell must find her before her murderous husband can silence her.
Episode 3
The Taker
Fri, Oct 4, 1968 75 mins
Glenn Howard must cope with a hostile takeover bid by the unscrupulous Arthur Jellicoe.
Episode 4
Collectors' Edition
Fri, Oct 11, 1968 75 mins
Dillon's life was saved in Vietnam by photographer Peter Max; now, Max is in big trouble and Dillon must help.
Episode 5
Nightmare
Fri, Oct 18, 1968 75 mins
Five years after his wife was shot dead in front of him, Dan Farrell has a chance to bring her killers to justice.
Episode 6
Incident in Berlin
Fri, Oct 25, 1968 74 mins
When a Howard Publications employee's jailed in East Germany - charged as being a spy, Glenn Howard yours to negotiate his release.
Episode 7
Shine On, Shine On, Jesse Gil
Fri, Nov 1, 1968 75 mins
Wealthy farmer Jesse Gil Macrae is a respected, popular figure in his community - but is he also a murderer? Jeff Dillon investigates.
Episode 8
Lola in Lipstick
Fri, Nov 8, 1968 74 mins
In Rome, Glenn Howard investigates the doings of the Jet Set - and also the mysterious death of a gangster's girlfriend.
Episode 9
The Protector
Fri, Nov 15, 1968 74 mins
Glenn Howard takes on a right-wing multi-millionaire who may be planning some sort of coup with a private army.
Episode 10
Ordeal
Fri, Nov 22, 1968 75 mins
Linda Ramsey will be executed in just a few hours - unless Dan Farrell can save her.
Episode 11
The White Birch
Fri, Nov 29, 1968 75 mins
August, 1968: as Russian tanks roll into Czechoslovakia, to crush the Prague Spring, Glenn Howard has a chance to have the manuscript is a new book smuggled out - a book he says is "political dynamite'.
Episode 12
High on a Rainbow
Fri, Dec 6, 1968 75 mins
Children in schools are getting access to dangerous drugs. Dan Farrell goes undercover to find the supplier.
Episode 13
The Black Answer
Fri, Dec 13, 1968 75 mins
When an African-American newspaper editor, a strong advocate of non-violence, is brutally murdered, a controversial militant is suspected. Jeff Dillon discovers the killing is more involved that first appears.
Episode 14
Pineapple Rose
Fri, Dec 20, 1968 73 mins
Peggy is kidnapped - she's been mistaken for the sister of pop idol Lincoln Bridges. Howard's executive assistant Andy Hill leads the hunt for Peggy.
Episode 15
The Revolutionary
Fri, Dec 27, 1968 75 mins
In a Latin American country, Glenn Howard becomes involved in a counter-revolution.
Episode 16
Swingers Only
Fri, Jan 10, 1969 73 mins
Kay Martin's husband has been mixing with some very dubious people - can the marriage be saved? Dan Farrell discovers a sinister secret behind the crowd of swingers Martin was mixing with following a girl's death.
Episode 17
The Inquiry
Fri, Jan 17, 1969 75 mins
When Howard is accused of stealing money during a combined OSS and resistance mission during WWII by an inimical senator at an appointment hearing, he proceeds to contact those involved in the mission to determine who took the money.
Episode 18
The Incomparable Connie Walker
Fri, Jan 24, 1969 75 mins
Mayor Conway Walker is the victim of a smear campaign - or is he really corrupt? Jeff Dillon finds himself questioning his own loyalty.
Episode 19
Love-In at Ground Zero
Fri, Jan 31, 1969 75 mins
Can Glenn Howard prevent a protest group from committing mass suicide?
Episode 20
The Suntan Mob
Fri, Feb 7, 1969 75 mins
American gangsters seem close to taking over a British island in the West Indies. Dan Farrell sets out to expose the gang.
Episode 21
Keep the Doctor Away
Fri, Feb 14, 1969 75 mins
Could the charming Dr. Evenhauer be a killer? Jeff Dillon overhears a nurse claim a patient friend should not have died and takes a closer interest in the physician.
Episode 22
The Bobby Currier Story
Fri, Feb 21, 1969 75 mins
Bobby Currier was always trouble just waiting to happen. Now he seems to have gone on a killing spree. Dan Farrell, taken prisoner by Currier, discovers an unexpected 'accomplice' has influenced his actions.
Episode 23
A Wrath of Angels
Fri, Feb 28, 1969 75 mins
An idealistic priest takes on a ruthless wealthy slum landlord, alerting Dan Farrell to the plight of poor tenants.
Episode 24
The Third Choice
Fri, Mar 7, 1969 75 mins
What is the link between the kidnapping of one of Glenn Howard's editors and an attempt to overthrow an African government?
Episode 25
Breakout to a Fast Buck
Fri, Mar 14, 1969 75 mins
Crime Magazine's Dan Farrell is alerted to a prison break, and discovers it directly relates to a major crime, which had been planned months in advance.
Episode 26
An Agent of the Plaintiff
Fri, Mar 21, 1969
Whilst visiting London, Glenn Howard finds himself being sued for libel.