Ep 7. The Big Lie

Joe Friday and Frank Smith are back on the job in "The Big Lie," the seventh episode of Dragnet's third season. This episode sees the detectives investigating a case where a man is accused of killing his wife and infant child with a gun. When the detectives arrive on the scene, they find a distraught man who swears he didn't do it. However, there is a witness who claims to have seen him leaving the house with a gun.

The detectives dive deep into the case, interviewing the neighbors, checking alibis, and examining the evidence. But as they do so, they start to uncover a web of lies and deceit that runs deeper than anyone could have imagined. The victim's mother is hiding something, the neighbors all seem to have secrets, and even the accused man's alibi is shaky.

As the case progresses, Joe and Frank must navigate through a complex web of lies and half-truths to get to the truth of what really happened that night. The investigation takes them from the victim's home to the local bar, and eventually to a seedy motel where they uncover a shocking revelation that blows the case wide open.

"The Big Lie" is a classic episode of Dragnet, full of twists and turns that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As always, Jack Webb's portrayal of Joe Friday is impeccable, and Ben Alexander's Frank Smith is the perfect counterbalance, providing humor and levity when needed.

Overall, "The Big Lie" is a must-see episode for fans of classic police dramas. It's a gripping tale of murder and betrayal, with plenty of surprises along the way. And as always with Dragnet, the detectives' dedication and perseverance in uncovering the truth is an inspiration to us all.