Christmas Watch

Christmas Watch
Episode #	315
Air Date	December 15, 1979
Briefing	Aggressive theft rings/No unapproved duty swaps.

Title screen

Brief Plot

A pair of thieves are robbing houses in the run-up to Christmas. Ponch is feeling down because he longs for a family Christmas, and doesn't know his mother is flying in.

Plot

Ponch returning the stuff Panda Bear back to Mrs. Claus and her Elf.

Bonnie wearing a pair of Aviator Sunglasses while chasing the Suspects.

A church's bell is about to be hung just prior to Christmas but it is stolen. When the Reverend chases after the bell, he loses them. Luckily, Ponch and Jon are just around the corner.

At Central, Getraer shows up with a Christmas tree. After the briefing, the bell thieves steal a station wagon which was for sale. Meanwhile, Grossie is instructing everyone how to decorate the tree. Ponch gets upset and leaves because he wants a "real family." As he leaves, three drunk guys pull into the CHP gas pumps. Nearly the entire CHP takes care of their car and then arrests them. When the woman who had her car stolen shows up, Jon realizes that she was called in by a fake officer and left her home unattended. He goes off to save her house.

Meanwhile, at the house, the thieves took all the Christmas presents. After some holiday season music and CHP work, we join our heroes at the CHP Christmas party. The CHP gives Getraer training wheels and a bag of sand for grease spots. Moments later, Ponch's mom appears at the party. Ponch's concerned Mom asks him about his motorcycle accident (probably in "Return of the Supercycle"). Later, the thieves get in an accident, give the guy $1200, and drive off. Baricza calls it in and Ponch, Jon, and Bonnie respond. They all manage to box in the van.

That night at the church, the CHP shows up with the bell in the middle of "Silent Night". While the kids are ringing the bell, the CHP gets a call and moves out. They'll be on duty while we sleep in heavenly peace.

Guest Stars

• William Schallert as Rev. Warmer
• Rosemary Forsyth as Joan Manette
• Anna Navarro as Maria Poncherello
• Don Reid as Bob Piermont
• Pamela Susan Shoop as Alice Piermont

Also Starring

• Paul Linke as Grossman
• Lou Wagner as Harlan

Co-Starring

• Brodie Greer as Baricza
• Michael Dorn as Turner
• Eugenia Wright as Doris
• Frank Parker as Clifford
• Jack Perkins as Passenger #2
• David Westberg as Paul Manette
• Rex Benson as Man
• Alison Hong as Michiko
• Bill Calvert as Gordon
• Eddie Garcia as Arturo
• Ken Hill as Passenger #3
• Randi Oakes as Bonnie Clark

Crew

• Produced by: Cy Chermak
• Written by: James Schmerer and L. Ford Neale
• Directed by: Phil Bondelli
• Executive Consultant: Rick Rosner

• Locations by: Cinemobile Systems
• With Appreciation to Glen B. Craig, Commissioner California Highway Patrol
• Motorcycles Furnished by: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
• Automobiles furnished by: Ford Motor Company
• Filmed in METROCOLOR / Titles and Opticals MGM
• Rosner Television in association with MGM Television

Fun Facts

• The opening chase goes past the San Fernando Plaza at the intersection of Truman Street and South Brand Boulevard. View in Google Maps It then continues to the shopping streets seen in Drive, Lady, Drive: Part 2.
• The station wagon is stolen from 416 Newton Street, San Fernando. View in Google Maps The thieves' van was parked just around the corner in Library Street. View in Google Maps
• The crash involving the thieves' van was filmed at the intersection of Chatsworth Drive and Pico Street. View in Google Maps

Mistakes

• Mrs. Manette tells Jon that her house number is 3420 when 416 is clearly seen on her house and curb during the car theft.

Preceded by: "Wheeling"

Christmas Watch 315

Followed by: "Jailbirds"