Voodoo Doll, Part One

Voodoo Doll, Part One is an episode of The Hardy Boys Mysteries that represents both a high-point and a low-point in the series history. It's a high-point because it has a stellar guest cast, a great atmospheric setting, a genuine mystery, and a fast pace. It's low point because it represents the introduction of Janet Louise Johnson as Nancy Drew, replacing Pamela Sue Martin in the role. While I am greatly upset that Martin was replaced, I've had almost 30 years to get used to the idea so it's fair to say that I'm almost over it. I like Johnson, who was great in Battlestar Galactica. But her arrival here means that Nancy is reduced to a supporting role in the series, it means the formula has being tinkered with and the end is nigh. By and large, the best episodes are gone at this stage and the remaining stories are of lesser quality.

Voodoo Doll, however, is excellent. Kim Cattrall, Ray Milland, Julius Harris, James T. Callahan & Howard Duff all appear with Milland totally stealing the show as the spooky Dr. Thatcher. It's Mardi Gras, and the Hardy Boys are in New Orleans. The previous resident of their hotel room has been found dead, and the boys have their pockets picked by a mysterious group who want them to move out of the room. Of course, Frank and Joe doggedly track down the thief, meeting some strange characters along the way, finding themselves deep in the world of Voodoo before the episode's cliff-hanger ending.

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