by Ted Davis
Original Air Date: December 9, 1986
Directed by: Daniel Haller
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!
Synopsis: Santa Claus in the person of down-on-his-luck Korea war veteran Tom McCabe (Pat Hingle) is arrested for murdering slimy slumlord Alan Rollins (Linden Chiles). Wily and folksy Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith), preeminent Atlanta attorney, is persuaded to defend him, ably assisted by his daughter Charlene (Linda Purl) and private investigator Tyler Hudson (Kene Holiday).
Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): As a bleary-eyed and possibly hungover Tom McCabe wakes up in the morning, his tuxedo cat Jonathan is standing on the couch.
Jonathan next appears while being fed on the kitchen table by McCabe, who is partially dressed in his Santa costume. As McCabe dishes out the portions, it’s clear that this kitty is very intent on his victuals.
Later, a dozing McCabe is holding Jonathan in his arms when an unknown intruder breaks into his apartment to attack and frame him for the murder. As the assault begins, the cat peeks up at the murderer and yowls in protest then takes off, leaving McCabe to fend for himself.
Another feeding session on the kitchen table with McCabe and Jonathan is interrupted by two police detectives who interrogate the veteran about the Rollins murder.
As a test, hotshot businessman Dan Paulson (Andrew Masset), who is allergic to cats, visits McCabe’s apartment. Of course he starts sneezing violently.
After Paulson leaves, McCabe rises from his chair and sets Jonathan on the couch so he can put on the rest of his Santa suit while he discusses the situation with Matlock.
As McCabe leaves for work, he says goodbye to Jonathan, who is standing on top of the couch.
Final Mewsings: Keep the cat food coming, Santa!
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