Radio Retropolis

A pair of check forgers are at work in Los Angeles. Friday once again goes undercover to track them down. Commentary on the PSA in this episode on Ground Observer Corps which was needed during the height of the Cold War and during the Korean War.

When we last left the story, Kent, Pete and Carter have rejected a demand by the headhunting pygmies for several human sacrifices.  Angered by this decision, the headhunters have begun their attack.  Who will survive.  Who wont?  Commentary on Superman's decision with the natives.  Plus, a look at the genocide of Babi Yar which began on this day and resulted in over 30,000 deaths.

Last time, Clark may have let on too much in Tango Pete's hearing when he says the antidote is worth $3 million to him to get it.  Will Pete double cross Clark for the bigger money?  Commentary on the dichotomy of how Superman is impervious to all pain yet he can still feel.

Clark is deep in the central American jungle following the diary's direction as to where he can find the antidote to the poison crippling the Metropolis Football Team. Commentary on the real indigenous tribes of the region, as well as the truth about headhunters.  Plus we look at the real value of what Tango Pete sees as Kent's offering.

A gang of car strippers is hitting the city while a sixteen-year-old boy is killed in a crash while resisting arrest.  Commentary on juvenile joy riders and car theft rings of the 1950s.

Martha was preparing to burn the diary that contains the antidote to the poison as she is holding Lois at bay by gunpoint.  That diary is the team's only hope and Lois has no options in front of her.  Commentary on the speed of flight with Superman in this episode. Plus a new supporting character possibly voiced by someone familiar!

In our last episode, Kent and White chased Dr. Stone who lost control of his car and died.  But before doing so, he took glee in spilling all the details to Kent about the poison and its antidote being in Central America not knowing that Kent is the only one who could get it in time.

The son of a cop has become a dope addict and Friday goes undercover to bust the head man in the operation.  Commentary on the series Barrie Craig Confidential Investigator and series star William Gargan.

We last saw Clark ringing that bell which forced Wilson's assistant to keep gassing that chamber as Clark knew the only way to get out that chamber was by Superman.

After making a huge mistake of accusing the cook Dorf of poisoning the team, Kent receives a call from White on new evidence.  Commentary on Superman finally being publicly outed.

The wife of a college professor has been kidnapped from her home. They are demanding $10,000 in cash.  Commentary on how a suggested direction in the plot line could have made for a better story.

Last time, Jimmy discovered the football team's cook dropping something into their meal and went to get Kent to tell him what he saw.  Upon returning to the kitchen, the cook was gone.  Commentary on Clark's constantly tipping his hand that he was Superman.

Last time, Superman broke into Quincy's office to get a look at that will to see who could have ulterior motives, yet when he reaches the safe he has been caught by someone in the shadows.  Commentary on the not so nice Superman in this episode.

As Clark and Jimmy visit the lab where the test animals are stored, Jimmy decides to check on the big gorilla they've got in which he lets out a big cry for help with Clark racing to reach him not knowing the danger that lies ahead.  Commentary on the connection between Superman and John Carter of Mars that helped Siegel and Schuster with one major character element in creating Superman.

A little old lady check forger is plaguing the city, but there's more to the old lady than meets the eye.  Commentary on the difference in writing style between original Dragnet writer James Moser and current writer John Robinson, aka Jack Webb.

Clark must find a way to protect the football team so the team can go to the Rose Bowl and the money is granted for a cure for infantile paralysis.  Commentary on the history of the Rose Bowl with special attention to the year of this broadcast.

All 30 players of the Metropolis Football Team collapsed with no motive or explanation in site although Clark is quick to assume that poison of some kind must be involved.  A look at the history of infantile paralysis (which is the story point for this series) better known under it's common name, polio.

For the past six months the managers of large markets have been the victims of an elderly holdup man. The suspect they had in custody in part one, was not the guy.  Commentary on how this episode was somewhat ridiculous and off point.  Also actor, Ralph Moody.

Clark and Lois cover the Metropolis Football game for the Daily Planet when Clark notices the players are collapsing on the field.  Commentary on Clark and Lois' relationship.

Duke Renard learns that Clark and Perry escaped the fire and now makes plans to do away with Bensen's car by rigging the drawbridge.  Kent plans to be in the sheriff's car disguised as a deputy but has no clue what's coming up or that the time to leave was switched earlier. Commentary on the disappointment in the big villain here as we compare this person to a similar villain in Dragnet.

A middle-aged robber wearing a black mask has hit a string of supermarkets with one locking the market employees in the deep freezer!  Also, a rare and final interview with NBC announcer Bill Roddy who was Jack Webb's roommate early in their careers.

The last we heard, Kent as Superman saved Perry White from the burning building set by Renard to kill them both.  Will Kent be able to intercept Renard's plan of murder in time? Commentary on the continuing wavering belief in Superman from characters in the story.

DA Warren learns of Kent's message to Dr. Roebling while Lois is accusing him of collusion by using his office for criminal deeds. Meanwhile Clark tells a nervous Renard exactly what he knows about his plans. 

Kent and White were captured by Duke Renard's group after thinking they were riding with the police to meet up with Bensen who Renard was planning to kill at 9pm that night.  But Kent has one Hail Mary pass and that is to contact Dr. Roebling whom Kent hopes is tuning in.  Commentary on the realities of such a voice machine and how this would never really work.

While waiting to make a narcotics buy, Sergeants Friday and Smith overhear a man tearfully admit that he had committed murder. Listen for the interrogation scene.  Plus lots of Jack Webb trivia!