episode #28 - Deadly Ringer

episode #15 of 2nd season / Air Date: 2/2/77 written by James D. Parriott directed by Alan J. Levi

This transpires to be a sequel to Mirror Image from the 1st season, featuring the return of Lisa (also played by Lindsay Wagner), Jaime's double. She's still in jail at the start of the episode, about to undergo plastic surgery to revert her back to her original appearance. However, this also features the return of the villain (Don Porter) from the earlier episode and he has more plans: a couple of thugs sneak up outside of Jaime's apartment loft and gas her into unconsciousness. The villain also has confederates inside the prison where Lisa is staying, including a female guard and a doctor (Katherine Helmond, soon to be a regular on Soap). In no time, the real Jaime finds herself in a jail cell while the fake Jaime takes over her life. The villain's plans include the theft of a new invention of Rudy Wells - Adrenalizine, a paste-like substance which imparts strength to a subject on par with bionics. But, Lisa soon develops plans of her own...
I've read elsewhere that Wagner's Emmy win can be traced back to her performance in this 2-part episode and that probably is the case. This 2-parter offered Wagner a chance for a tour-de-force and she makes the most of it: besides wigging out as the real Jaime in a padded cell, she enacts the role of Lisa/Jaime, who behaves much like the real Jaime with just the subtlest of variations. The direction of the story diverts to unexpected corners as Lisa/Jaime begins to get into her role as the real Jaime all too well. Ford Rainey appears as Jaime's foster father, but Martha Scott doesn't show up until part 2. Meanwhile, the real Jaime is sedated and prepared for surgery, after which she'll be buried with Lisa's face - dang, these villains don't kid around..! Continued in part 2. BoG's Score: 7 out of 10