Angry Guard Dog: An autopsy of a collie reveals that it was beaten to death. It is later revealed it attacked the episode's Villain of the Week, a serial child predator, as he was trying to attack two girls, ages 7 and 11, and the man beat the dog to death before killing the girls.
Anguished Outburst: Captain Thad Brown, chief of detectives, along with Friday and Romero, openly express their disgust with lenient punishment for sex crimes against children. This, in an era more than 40 years before Amber Alerts, widespread use of sex offender registries and related tools to keep those who prey on children at bay.
Armor-Piercing Question: Friday suggests to Jimmerson that, since he "found" the bodies of the two girls he suspects he killed, Jimmerson can go to the morgue to identify them. He resists, saying dead bodies make him sick, but Friday talks him into going. note Since this was radio and was never adapted for television, it can only be implied that Jimmerson cringed at the sight of the dead bodies, shocked into realizing he was responsible for the girls' deaths and implicating him.
Death of a Child: There'd be other episodes, both during the radio version and both the 1950s and 1960s era TV versions, but this one is very chilling: A man who chums up to the cops, is almost too friendly and then begins to show cracks when confronted about his background.
Death Row: Jimmerson's fate, via the gas chamber at San Quentin Prison.
Grocery Store Episode: In a manner of speaking ... the two girls who go missing were sent to the store to buy groceries for their family. It had been something they'd done before, and on this trip – note Friday's attention to detail – they were buying some bread, oranges and bacon. All of that is found near where the girls went missing, and not too far from where their bodies (and the corpse of a dog the killer had also taken out) were found.
Hope Spot: Even though Friday knows full well that the search will not have a positive outcome, he tries his best to reassure Thelma Griswold's parents that the girls just got lost and will soon be found, safe and sound.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: The search for the girls is complicated by heavy rain during the overnight hours. Much of the drama before the girls' bodies are found centers on the search and the angst expressed by the parents and neighbors.
Pædo Hunt: The search for the killer of Thelma Griswold and Barbara Sparig, ages 7 and 11, leads to Jimmerson, a serial pedophile. During questioning, he chillingly admits to Friday and Smith, "I like kids." His background fits what would be a classic profile, both then and now: He had several short-lived jobs where he had access to children: a shoe store (as a salesman in the children's department), a gardener for the parks system, and jobs at at least two elementary schools. Additionally, he had spent time in prison for lewd acts with a child (which he dismisses as being drunk and not knowing what he was doing) and had at least two other complaints that resulted in no charges filed against him. He was married to a woman who had an 8-year-old son from another relationship, but the boy sent to live with other relatives; under questioning by Friday, Mrs. Jimmerson explained her husband was, without elaborating, "cruel" to him.
Psychopathic Manchild: Jimmerson is one: An innocent-sounding man, almost childlike, but is capable of incredible savagery, as it is implied the deaths of Thelma Griswold and Barbara Sparig – and the dog that tried to attack him as well, in defense of the two girls – are incredibly brutal, the onset of death implied to be not coming quick.
Scare 'Em Straight: Jack Webb hoped to use the episode as a chilling reminder for parents to always keep an eye on their children, know where they're at and be aware of who they associate with. note Webb – knowing his show was popular with children – also gives a disclaimer at the beginning of the episode: This episode is not suitable for children due to its plot.
Seen It All: Thad Brown, chief of detectives, confides to Friday and Romero that he's investigated multiple child deaths throughout his 32-year career, including some at the hands of sex offenders, but this particular case has shaken him. This comment comes shortly the girls' bodies are found.
Too Smart for Strangers: Apparently, Thelma and Barbara were both taught this, but somehow, Jimmerson – the creepy guy down the street who mostly keeps to himself, and has not made relationships with any of the neighbors – is able to get on a somewhat friendly basis with them.
Villainous Breakdown: Jimmerson, after being asked to view the bodies of the two girls he killed, says that the dog that had accompanied the girls to the store attacked him as he was making his move on them, and the deaths happened. (Note that this is a sanitized version of the original script, which is graphic.) Through quiet sobs, Jimmerson says, "I like kids. They don't understand me." "Neither do we," retorts Friday as he takes him into custody.
