Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode Summary: Dragnet 49-07-21 "007 Attempted City Hall Bombing"

Release Date: March 17, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Dragnet, titled "007 Attempted City Hall Bombing," listeners are transported back to the tense atmosphere of Los Angeles as Detective Sergeant Joe Friday confronts a high-stakes threat to City Hall. This episode masterfully blends suspense, procedural investigation, and character-driven drama, embodying the essence of the Golden Age of Radio.

Plot Summary

1. The Emergency Call

The episode kicks off with Joe Friday, an off-duty detective sergeant, receiving an urgent summons from Chief of Detectives Ed Backstrand. The city is under threat as an entire block surrounding City Hall has been evacuated due to a bombing threat. The clock is ticking, and Friday must respond immediately to avert potential disaster.

• Ed Backstrand (00:37): "Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

2. Assembling the Team

Upon arriving at City Hall, Friday meets his partner, Ben Romero, and Chief Backstrand. They are briefed on the dire situation: Vernon Carney, a seasoned but troubled individual with a history of minor offenses, has entered the building wielding a homemade bomb. He has issued an ultimatum—release his brother, Elwood Carney, from custody by 9:00 AM, or he will detonate the device, resulting in mass casualties.

• Joe Friday (01:49): "It was Tuesday, November 15th. It was raining in Los Angeles. We were off duty, reporting in on an emergency call."

3. Understanding the Threat

Chief Backstrand provides critical information about the Carney brothers, highlighting their long history of criminal behavior. Despite their minor offenses, Vernon is desperate to secure Elwood's release, believing it to be a guarantee for his own safety.

• Ed Backstrand (02:42): "Sorry to have to bring you back in. You worked last night, didn't you?"

4. Negotiation Attempts

Friday and Romero attempt to engage Vernon Carney in dialogue, hoping to de-escalate the situation. However, Carney remains steadfast in his demands, exacerbating the tension as time dwindles.

• Elwood Carney (05:44): "I'm not smoking right now."
• Joe Friday (06:17): "Have you given any thought to all the innocent people that are gonna go up with that thing of yours there?"

5. Formulating a Plan

Realizing that verbal negotiation might not suffice, the team devises a strategic plan to neutralize the threat. The plan involves using Ben Romero to physically intercept Carney, allowing Friday to disarm the bomb. Additionally, the crime lab supplies crucial information about the bomb's construction, confirming that it's a genuine threat.

• Joe Friday (10:15): "How do we get it away from him?"
• Lee Jones (14:00): "Can you get hold of a pump here in a hurry?"

6. Executing the Strategy

As the deadline approaches, the team meticulously sets up their operation. Fire Chief Erickson and Lt. Lee Jones from the crime lab join forces to provide the necessary equipment and expertise. The plan relies on timing, precision, and overcoming environmental challenges such as strong winds and slippery ledges.

• Ed Backstrand (20:43): "What's the time, Friday?"
• Joe Friday (20:44): "8:50."

7. The Climax

In the final moments before the 9:00 AM deadline, Ben Romero attempts to reach Carney through a window. A physical confrontation ensues, resulting in Romero successfully disarming the bomb by submerging it in water—neutralizing its immediate threat. The team breathes a collective sigh of relief as the explosion fails to materialize.

• Joe Friday (28:53): "It didn't go off, Friday."
• Lee Jones (28:56): "Well, I gave it a good chance, Lee."

8. Resolution and Aftermath

Post-crisis, it's revealed that Vernon Carney's intentions were destabilized by his desperation to free his brother. Psychological evaluations deem Vernon incompetent, leading to his confinement in a mental institution. Elwood Carney faces stricter sentencing without the possibility of early release, ensuring he remains incarcerated.

• Narrator (29:44): "Vernon Carney was examined by five different psychiatrists... now confined in the state mental institution for the criminally insane."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ed Backstrand (02:30): "No joke, Sergeant."
• Joe Friday (05:49): "What are you trying to prove?"
• Elwood Carney (12:17): "I've heard that before."
• Joe Friday (19:29): "I'll have somebody clear."
• Ed Backstrand (25:34): "Move. All right, Frady, do what he tells you."
• Joe Friday (27:13): "How you gonna do it? There's a million cops outside."
• Elwood Carney (29:21): "Yeah. Hi, Joe."

Key Themes and Insights

1. Desperation and Rationality: The episode explores how desperation can cloud judgment. Vernon Carney's actions stem from a misguided belief that his brother's release may mitigate his own peril, highlighting the thin line between rational thought and panic-driven decisions.

2. Teamwork and Strategy: The collaboration between different departments—police, fire department, and crime lab—underscores the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in crisis situations.

3. Time as a Critical Factor: The relentless progression of time adds to the episode's tension, emphasizing the high-pressure environment detectives operate within to prevent tragedies.

4. Psychological Evaluation: The aftermath delves into the psychological ramifications of criminal actions, showcasing the legal system's approach to mental competency and its role in public safety.

5. Moral Dilemmas: The decision to physically confront a suspect poses moral questions about the lengths law enforcement should go to ensure public safety without compromising ethical standards.

Conclusion

"007 Attempted City Hall Bombing" is a quintessential Dragnet episode that encapsulates the show's commitment to realistic, procedural storytelling. Through meticulous plotting and authentic character interactions, the episode not only delivers suspense and drama but also invites listeners to ponder deeper societal and psychological issues. Detective Sergeant Joe Friday's unwavering dedication serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice, embodying the very spirit of law enforcement during the Golden Age of Radio.