8 out of 10. Good story, like a morality play.

It was good though somewhat predictable. Even 40 years ago (as the story says) plus the forty years since this story was written I think people and police would have been conscious to that mail bomb.

One of the best of the series so far.

Amazing how he kept himself together after his family was killed by a bomb. If it were I, I wouldn't be vengeful or merciful; I'd have been too much of a basket case to have taken any action at all. Ending predictable. Crime drama, morality play, no supernatural elements.

5 stars and one of my favorites. This was an amazing act of writing by Sam Dann, who normally writes somewhat "vanilla" episodes for Mystery Theater. "The Only Blood" is definitely Dann's best episode during Mystery Theater's first year. Also, Robert Dryden's voice is so low and, for lack of better words, made for radio. He is almost too much voice; very little acting. But the script and direction were perfect. Great episode even for first time listeners.

Vanilla? Sam Dann easily best writer of the series. IMO.

Meh, not much emotion in the acting. No dialect to make it more "believable." Too boring and dry for such a decent script.

An interesting look at what an immigrant might think of America. Some have said it was a morality play and to an extent it was, but he was ready to kill the man at one point. The only reason why he saved his life was to show how he was different than the mobster. Although it was predictable in many parts, I still enjoyed it.

Good Episode.

One of my favorite episodes from the 1974 series

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. Just like the TWILIGHT ZONE, there are certain episodes that DEFINE an anthology series for its creativity, artistry, and imagination. And this particular episode, written by Sam Dann, is one of them! The sound effects of the tableware, hammering of the shoes, cash register, shoe shop door bell, the hoodlum’s slap, the shoemaker’s attack, 2 gunshots, body thud, footsteps at the police station, newspaper, rotary phone, unwrapping the package that exploded (SPOILER ALERT), hospital room, crickets, car running, shooting of the hunting rifle, tires screeching, sirens of the state trooper, car crash, and traffic noise were splendid to hear. The music had the right tunes for this dramatic tale. Melodramatic tracks in ACT-1, enigmatic themes in ACT-2, and vengeful tunes in ACT-3. E.G. Marshall was on a roll as Host. In his Prologue, he brings up the subject of blood and what defines it. In ACT-1, he introduces our main character and the story is set 40 years ago (and since this episode was recorded in 1974, this took place during the Great Depression of the 1930’s). Later, our main character is unaware on the qualifications of leadership, but he’s also unaware of what he got himself into. In ACT-2, he points out that the Shoe Repair shop that once stood has become a smoking wreckage. In ACT-3, our main character’s business & family life were destroyed in a single moment. CLIMAX: the main villain got his punishment. RESOLUTION: the main character and the main villain’s daughter provide comfort & guidance to each other because they both lost people that they loved. A perfect ending! And in the Epilogue, E.G. Marshall states that there have been many people for many years that used blood to change America. Short conclusion, but well done. And of course, there’s the cast: Howard Da Silva (as Anthony Boda), Ken Harvey (as Chuck & Vincent), Robert Dryden (as Sergeant Kerry & Al Karley), Bryna Raeburn (as Maria Boda & Marissa Karley), and Jack Grimes (as Louis Boda). I’d give Howard Da Silva props for playing the lead role that expressed courage, pride, loyalty, dignity, and compassion. There’s an old saying that, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” But for this type of character on what he did at the very, very end of the story, he chose to live by another old saying, “Living well is the best revenge.” If CBSRMT had a big wall to display their greatest episodes like paintings, this Drama-Mystery story should be up there and display it right next to #0367-THE SUMMER PEOPLE, #0167-THE BLACK ROOM, #0022-TIME AND AGAIN, #0099-DRESSED TO KILL, and #0957-HICKORY, DICKORY, DOOM. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =^D

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. Just like the TWILIGHT ZONE, there are certain episodes that DEFINE an anthology series for its creativity, artistry, and imagination. And this particular episode, written by Sam Dann, is one of them! The sound effects of the tableware, hammering of the shoes, cash register, shoe shop door bell, the hoodlum’s slap, the shoemaker’s attack, 2 gunshots, body thud, footsteps at the police station, newspaper, rotary phone, unwrapping the package that exploded (SPOILER ALERT), hospital room, crickets, car running, shooting of the hunting rifle, tires screeching, sirens of the state trooper, car crash, and traffic noise were splendid to hear. The music had the right tunes for this dramatic tale. Melodramatic tracks in ACT-1, enigmatic themes in ACT-2, and vengeful tunes in ACT-3. E.G. Marshall was on a roll as Host. In his Prologue, he brings up the subject of blood and what defines it. In ACT-1, he introduces our main character and the story is set 40 years ago (and since this episode was recorded in 1974, this took place during the Great Depression of the 1930’s). Later, our main character is unaware on the qualifications of leadership, but he’s also unaware of what he got himself into. In ACT-2, he points out that the Shoe Repair shop that once stood has become a smoking wreckage. In ACT-3, our main character’s business & family life were destroyed in a single moment. CLIMAX: the main villain got his punishment. RESOLUTION: the main character and the main villain’s daughter provide comfort & guidance to each other because they both lost people that they loved. A perfect ending! And in the Epilogue, E.G. Marshall states that there have been many people for many years that used blood to change America. Short conclusion, but well done. And of course, there’s the cast: Howard Da Silva (as Anthony Boda), Ken Harvey (as Chuck & Vincent), Robert Dryden (as Sergeant Kerry & Al Karley), Bryna Raeburn (as Maria Boda & Marissa Karley), and Jack Grimes (as Louis Boda). I’d give Howard Da Silva props for playing the lead role that expressed courage, pride, loyalty, dignity, and compassion. There’s an old saying that, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” But for this type of character on what he did at the very, very end of the story, he chose to live by another old saying, “Living well is the best revenge.” If CBSRMT had a big wall to display their greatest episodes like paintings, this Drama-Mystery story should be up there and display it right next to #0367-THE SUMMER PEOPLE, #0167-THE BLACK ROOM, #0022-TIME AND AGAIN, #0099-DRESSED TO KILL, and #0957-HICKORY, DICKORY, DOOM. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =^D

I rate this the same way, and amazingly, there was nothing (on the surface) supernatural about it. Then again, the FORGIVENESS was indeed supernatural. Five Stars from me as well. This may be one of the best RMT episodes ever. BTW, the quote I remember, about "Al Carli's" blood: "I thought it would be as base and common as sewage." Powerful writing.

Excellent episode.

I do like one Episode (125) from 1974 titled, Only The Blood.

Boda is just plain creepy. Creepier than Karley.

The main star (shoe shop owner) sounded more like Benjamin Netanyahu than like an Italian, don't you think?

Good episode, sound effects and music added to the story. Well written as it makes one think and ask at the end, would I be so forgiving? Could I make that decision? Great story when it makes you question yourself. Good morality story, heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. Definitely a favorite and well worth a listen! E G Marshall was in spot!

Absolutely on of the finest episodes! Great plot and well written!

I agree with our faithful reviewer above, 5 stars!!! Howard Da Silva strongly represents his role and pulls you in. Sam Dann is one of my favorite writers for the show, agreed that this is right at the top. I just enjoy listening to this episode again and again, every year or so, it’s definitely one of my favorites

This is definitely one of the best episodes I've listened to! It's too bad there are not enough Anthony Bogas (the hero in this story) willing to stand up to the bullies in the world. If this were the case, our country, and others, would not be in the state that they are in today. The biggest bully on the block now? China. Few want to stand against China yet everyone must. Not standing up to them leads to imminent oppression and destruction of human rights. It's already happening. China is already collecting their "tax"; they have been doing this for years. The question is, will there be enough Anthony Bogas to end this "association" with China? Are we sheep who follow? Or people who lead?

As a longtime fan who used to listen to the original broadcasts in the ‘70s I’m surprised I’d never heard this one before. I have to agree with Russell, it’s one of the best episodes of the series. Sam Dann’s story captures the dogged determination and idealism of a certain generation of immigrants that made this country far greater than it was before their arrival. I don’t know how Dann was able to turn out so many plays in such quick succession, but I’m a simple kind of guy who likes the ones where good conquers evil and we’re reminded of the values that truly matter. Howard da Silva was perfect for the role. In fact, it’s a character he’s played in several other episodes. Great show! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Good episode until the ending. Not just unrealistic but immoral. Family comes first. But his family suddenly didn't matter at the end.