McClain's Law

Summary

The series starred James Arness as Jim McClain, a former police detective medically retired after being wounded in the leg during a gun battle. Fifteen years later, he returns to duty to avenge the murder and robbery of a friend, ultimately coming out of retirement to share his expertise with younger officers. Initially, police supervisors resist his request for active duty, requiring him to pass physical fitness tests and a police academy requalification program.

McClain passes all tests and returns at his former rank of detective. He is tough but compassionate, regarded as an "Old School" cop who carries a Smith & Wesson .44 caliber revolver while most colleagues use .38 Special sidearms. His coworkers come to respect him as a consummate professional. The series, like several others from the period, was criticized for its level of violence.

Co-stars included Marshall Colt and George DiCenzo, with Shaaron Claridge playing a dispatcher. This was Arness' final TV series; he later appeared primarily in made-for-TV movies reprising Gunsmoke.

Did You Know?

• James Arness, best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, took a rare non-western role as Detective Jim McClain.
• On June 21, 2016, Warner Archive Collection released McClain's Law - The Complete Series on DVD as a manufacture-on-demand release.