It's hard not to compare this episode to David Doyle's previous one. When I saw him get out of the plane, I didn't want to see another one, because his previous episode was so perfect, I didn't want it ruined. Sure enough, this one quite didn't measure up. (Watch that one instead, if you can find it!) But on its own merit, it has its moments, but it's ruined by the silly end for me. And I just wish I'd never seen Bosley in a Polynesian dress, lipstick and wig.
Indeed, the ending was a bit of a Deus Ex-Machina with the mother cope out nonsense, and the actor was way too old to have to obey a mother, he looked at least 27. (Just went to his page and did the math: nailed it! And I didn't even know it!) That ending, satisfying to the characters and serving the writers well, made no sense whatsoever consider how Detroit shot the papier mache bees etc and how ruthless he was during his training. Way too contrived an ending. But hey, the characters are all happy at the end, there was enough Roarke here, and there you go.
The Eve Plumb story is ok, but loses a lot when watched on syndication, where they cut out a lot. The rebellious boy stood out, though: he was a really good actor. I wonder what he's done since.
Low Points of the show: besides "Bosley" in a dress, Tattoo having fake tears stuck to his face (they don't flow, they are caked there, like thickly applied glycerin) and not mustering enough emotion to fake this scene through. Normally he is good, but not here. (Maybe the editor's fault? Could it be they didn't use his best scene where he might have cried for real?) And Eve Plumb moving her legs as she is pulled from the water.
This is the 3rd time I've watched a F. I. episode guest starring Peter Graves, and each one has been worse than the other. Poor guy! He deserved better. (Or could was he really this dull all along, even in Mission Impossible, already?) But the worse is yet
to come with his very boring "Nurses" title, final season 7. Skip that one!
All in all, an okay episode, best watched on DVD or streaming.