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THE PRODIGAL

The Prodigal

01.09 Episode 9 (#40191-009)
Airdate: December 8, 1985

MacGyver is hired to arrange a new life for a protected Federal witness, who's testifying against his mobster brother, and to help him visit his sick mother before she dies.

Teleplay by: David Abramowitz
Story by: Paul Savage & David Abramowitz
Directed by: Alexander Singer

Guest Starring: Richard Romanus as Joey Bennet, Robert Romanus as Frank Bennet, Carl Franklin as Andrew Wiley, Angela Clarke as Katarina Bennet, Michael Champion as Larson, Tom Ormeny as Bridges, Katherine Wallach as Carol, James Hess as Vincent Ivory, Stan Kamber as Max, John Mahon as Vendor, Mario Roberts as Tommy

Nielsen Ratings: 11.6 rating / 17 share / 3rd (60th overall)

Reference: Acme Auto Tow Rental, Frank Bennet, Joey Bennet, Katerina Bennet, Bridges, Carol, Coney Island, Vincent Ivory, Larson, Los Angeles, Max, St. Matthew's Hospital, Tommy, Venice Beach, Andrew Wiley

MACGYVERISMS

MacGyverism

Used a paper clip to help hotwire a car

MacGyverism

Picked the lock of a car trunk with a Swiss Army knife

MacGyverism

Used a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts of car wheels to delay pursuit

MacGyverism

Used duct tape to attach pieces of wood to form a channel

MacGyverism

Used wood scraps and a buzz saw to create a diversion for escape

MacGyverism

Used the reverse setting of a vacuum to blow a cloud of sawdust as a diversion for escape

MacGyverism

Released the latch on a ladder to trigger falling boxes as a diversion for escape

MacGyverism

Used string to remotely activate a switch

MacGyverism

Cut the fluid hoses of a car with a Swiss Army knife

MacGyverism

Used dry ice, soda, and "fizzy dealies" to imitate smoke and trigger a building evacuation

MacGyverism

Used a rented tow truck to tow and abandon a disabled car to delay pursuit

MacGyverism

Picked a door lock with a Swiss Army knife

MacGyverism

Used a rod and string to make a trip wire on the stairs

MacGyverism

Blocked a door with an armoire

MacGyverism

Used a telescope, rags, cleaning fluid, camphor balls, and a match to make a rocket-powered harpoon

MacGyverism

Used a pulley on a wire cable to create a zipline for escape

NOTES OF INTEREST

  • The episode has no Opening Gambit.
  • This is the first episode to take place entirely in MacGyver's hometown. Although not specifically named, the landmarks are identifiable enough to place the location in Los Angeles, California.
  • Since the pilot episode, this is the first episode to show MacGyver's new home. Although the city is not identified, the location is identifiable as Venice Beach.
  • MacGyver's apartment is number 3B, at 317 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, on the third floor, facing the ocean, above a fast food stand called Coney Island USA.
  • MacGyver acknowledges his Minnesota roots by wearing a yellow University of Minnesota sweatshirt.
  • MacGyver refers to having previously taken assignments as a "hotshot expert on personal security."
  • MacGyver refers to starting his day with a "first cup of coffee."
  • MacGyver can hotwire a car.

MEMORABLE REMARKS

  • There has got to be a gigantic secret factory somewhere putting out nothing but junk mail. [MacGyver]
  • Now, technically, I'm driving a stolen car following a kidnapping... and I still haven't had my first cup of coffee. [MacGyver]
  • I had to get you out. You forgot to pay for your coffee. [MacGyver]
  • With all due respect, sir, I do what I do the way I do it. [MacGyver, as an incompetent tow truck driver]
  • Well, right now, I'm giving the Feds a deeper and more profound understanding of themselves. You know what I mean? [MacGyver]

FOR THE RECORD

  • Swiss Army Knife Count: (3)
    • Picked the lock of a car trunk with the bottle opener blade
    • Cut the fluid hoses of a car with the knife blade
    • Picked a door lock with the knife blade
  • Duct Tape Count: (1)
    • Taped pieces of wood together

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