As a devoted fan of all things Horace I find I must strongly disagree with another review for this episode (5 of 10?) as I rate it as one of my favourites of the entire series.
First, there's the important fact that its from one of the earliest seasons - when things were fresher and we had the "first Hilda", whom I preferred.
But this episode stands out due to the wonderful scenes and plot line between Rumpole and Guthrie Featherstone, QC, MP (the glorious Peter Bowles). This time, Guthrie is suffering from a bad case of Male Menopause and indulges himself in a risky affair with a young chic radical from the "typing pool".
While still licking his wounds from not being elected head of chambers earlier (or more likely relieved not to be), Rumpole bluntly confronts Guthrie with the cruel career-killing prospects he faces if he continues his late-night dalliances at a "palais de hop".
Totally in command, as though he were defending a murder at the Old Bailey, Rumpole snaps his "wandering" chamber head back to reality - saving his marriage and career. Oh, and he wins his case too. A brilliantly entertaining episode.
First, there's the important fact that its from one of the earliest seasons - when things were fresher and we had the "first Hilda", whom I preferred.
But this episode stands out due to the wonderful scenes and plot line between Rumpole and Guthrie Featherstone, QC, MP (the glorious Peter Bowles). This time, Guthrie is suffering from a bad case of Male Menopause and indulges himself in a risky affair with a young chic radical from the "typing pool".
While still licking his wounds from not being elected head of chambers earlier (or more likely relieved not to be), Rumpole bluntly confronts Guthrie with the cruel career-killing prospects he faces if he continues his late-night dalliances at a "palais de hop".
Totally in command, as though he were defending a murder at the Old Bailey, Rumpole snaps his "wandering" chamber head back to reality - saving his marriage and career. Oh, and he wins his case too. A brilliantly entertaining episode.