The last episode of the NBC detective series McMillan & Wife was titled “Have You Heard About Vanessa?” It aired on April 24, 1977, bringing to a close a six-season run that blended police procedural with light-hearted marital dynamics.
The Case of Vanessa: A Look at the Final Episode
“Have You Heard About Vanessa?” presented a perplexing case for Police Commissioner Stewart McMillan (Rock Hudson). The story revolves around the disappearance of a young woman named Vanessa Sterling, a former model with a mysterious past. Mac, as he was affectionately known, must navigate a web of suspects, including a jealous ex-lover, a shady art dealer, and a reclusive millionaire, all while trying to uncover the truth behind Vanessa’s vanishing act.
The episode is quintessential McMillan & Wife, showcasing the series’ signature blend of suspense and humor. Sally McMillan (Susan Saint James), while not directly involved in the investigation, provides her usual witty commentary and unwavering support to her husband. Enright, Mac’s long-suffering sergeant (played by John Schuck), provides the bumbling comic relief that audiences had come to expect.
While the episode doesn’t offer a particularly groundbreaking plot twist or a dramatic shift in the characters’ relationships, it delivers a solid, engaging mystery that capably wrapped up the series’ narrative arc. The conclusion, while satisfying, left a hint of open-endedness, perhaps reflecting the network’s initial hope for a continuation of the franchise, albeit in a different format.
The Transition and the Transformation: From McMillan & Wife to McMillan
The road to the final episode, and ultimately to the show’s cancellation, was paved with significant changes. The most impactful was Susan Saint James’ departure after the fifth season. Her chemistry with Rock Hudson was a crucial element of the show’s success, and her absence was acutely felt.
Following her departure, the series underwent a significant revamp. The show was retitled simply McMillan, and the focus shifted squarely onto Commissioner McMillan’s police work, minimizing the domestic elements. The shift in tone and the absence of Sally McMillan fundamentally altered the dynamic of the show.
The sixth season was also impacted by the network’s decision to incorporate the show into the NBC Sunday Mystery Movie wheel, which already included Columbo and McCloud. This meant fewer episodes per season and a greater reliance on guest stars. While Rock Hudson remained a charismatic leading man, the spark that had made McMillan & Wife so beloved was undeniably diminished. Ultimately, the “Have You Heard About Vanessa?” episode served as an unplanned series finale, as the show was not renewed for a seventh season.
McMillan & Wife: A Legacy of Lighthearted Crime-Solving
Despite its relatively short run, McMillan & Wife left a lasting impact on television. The show was praised for its charming leads, its engaging storylines, and its lighthearted approach to the police procedural genre. It helped to pave the way for other successful detective shows that blended humor and drama, proving that crime-solving could be both thrilling and entertaining.
McMillan & Wife remains a popular classic, often re-aired on cable channels and available for streaming. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless characters, its clever writing, and its ability to transport viewers back to a more innocent era of television. The final episode, “Have You Heard About Vanessa?”, while not a grand finale in the traditional sense, serves as a fitting conclusion to a beloved series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about McMillan & Wife and its final episode:
What was the exact air date of “Have You Heard About Vanessa?”
The final episode, “Have You Heard About Vanessa?” aired on April 24, 1977.
Why did Susan Saint James leave McMillan & Wife?
Susan Saint James left McMillan & Wife due to a contract dispute with Universal Studios. She was reportedly seeking a larger salary and more creative control over her character. Her departure ultimately led to the show being retitled and reformatted.
Who played Enright, McMillan’s sergeant?
John Schuck played Sergeant Enright throughout the entire run of McMillan & Wife and continued in the retitled McMillan series.
Was there a specific reason why “Have You Heard About Vanessa?” was chosen as the last episode?
There’s no definitive evidence to suggest that “Have You Heard About Vanessa?” was intentionally chosen as the last episode. It was simply the final episode aired in the sixth season, which was ultimately the show’s last.
Did the cast know that “Have You Heard About Vanessa?” would be the last episode they filmed?
It’s unlikely that the cast knew for certain that “Have You Heard About Vanessa?” would be the last episode during filming. Networks often make renewal decisions later in the season, and there was likely hope for a seventh season, even with the changes to the show.
What was the NBC Sunday Mystery Movie?
The NBC Sunday Mystery Movie was a programming block on NBC that featured rotating detective series, including Columbo, McCloud, and later, McMillan. This format allowed NBC to offer a consistent lineup of mystery shows on Sunday nights, but it also limited the number of episodes produced for each individual series.
Where can I watch McMillan & Wife today?
McMillan & Wife is often available for streaming on various platforms, including streaming services like Peacock and Tubi TV, and for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for cable reruns as well.
How many seasons of McMillan & Wife were there?
There were a total of six seasons of McMillan & Wife, with the sixth season being renamed McMillan after Susan Saint James’ departure.
What kind of car did Commissioner McMillan drive?
Commissioner McMillan famously drove a 1956 Porsche 356A Cabriolet throughout the series. The car became a signature element of the show and added to McMillan’s sophisticated and charming persona.
Did Rock Hudson ever direct an episode of McMillan & Wife?
While Rock Hudson was a prominent figure in front of the camera, he never directed any episodes of McMillan & Wife. The show had a consistent team of directors throughout its run.
What was the critical reception of McMillan & Wife during its original run?
McMillan & Wife generally received positive reviews during its original run. Critics praised the chemistry between Rock Hudson and Susan Saint James, the engaging storylines, and the show’s lighthearted tone. The show was also a ratings success for NBC, consistently ranking among the top-rated programs.
Were there any spin-offs planned after McMillan & Wife ended?
While there were no official spin-offs immediately following the end of McMillan & Wife, there was discussion of potential projects focusing on Rock Hudson’s character, though nothing ultimately materialized. The altered format of the final season, focusing solely on McMillan, could be seen as a precursor to a potential spin-off that ultimately didn’t happen.