The Angels are on the case — this is the electromechanical version of Gottlieb’s Charlie’s Angels, based on the hit television series, designed by Allen Edwall with art by the masterful Gordon Morison. With reel scoring and a scarce confirmed run of just 350, it’s an uncommon and collectible EM Gottlieb from the height of the show’s popularity.
The layout is a solid, engaging spread: two flippers, two pop bumpers, a pair of slingshots, a five-bank of drop targets, and a three-bank of drop targets. Those dual drop-target banks are the machine’s calling card, giving a sharp-shooting player a satisfying set of objectives to clear. The strategy has a clever bit of risk-management wisdom: there’s no reason to touch the Collect Bonus target until you’ve already reached 5x, since working the drops to advance your bonus multiplier is the less risky path to points. That kind of thoughtful shot selection rewards a disciplined player, all in service of the popular TV-detective theme.
This EM Charlie’s Angels is a fine showcase of Morison’s artwork and Gottlieb’s reliable design, pairing a hit-show license with a satisfying, drop-heavy playfield. Gottlieb produced both electromechanical and solid-state versions of the game, and with only 350 of this EM edition built, it’s a genuinely scarce and collectible find. The Charlie’s Angels theme rode a wave of television popularity in its day. For the collector who loves the golden age of EM pinball and a beloved TV license, it’s a rewarding pursuit. Clear those dual drop banks, advance your multiplier to 5x before collecting, and crack the case. Some machines are treasured for their rarity and their pop-culture appeal alike, and this Gottlieb detective gem is one of them. Solve the mystery and drop a coin.