This is the one with Tony the cabaret singer who has gone out of fashion since his hit-making duo collapsed. When the lady comes back into his life, is there a chance he can get off the bottle and make his way back to the big time? As a detective show episode, there isn't much mystery here as far as potential crime goes. There are dodgy notes changing hands and a rivalry over a woman, but that's about it. The interesting bit relates to the eventual twist, which I was slow to get. When Tony is found dead, is it suicide or murder? And if it is murder, where's the weapon and what's the motive?
John Nettles has little to do in this episode other than break up quarrels and offer his own experience on being an alcoholic. What makes it an interesting episode is that it is something a bit different. There's a good cast who give their characters some depth; Gary Bond plays the singer who is still vain enough to think he deserves star treatment (but who shows a lot of vulnerability too, realising his youth has gone); Diane Langton is his former singing and romantic partner, a bottle blonde in a silly dress; James Booth is her new husband, who can see potential cracks appearing in his marriage.
Motive enough for murder?
Julia Ford as Suzy, a performer at the sleazy club in which Tony finds himself floundering until Dawn sings a duet with him, is very good indeed and handles well the part she has. She reminded me of Samantha Morton, delicate but also steely. It seems she'll be the future star as the episode plays out, as we now know (but she doesn't) who she is and why she has been the catalyst for what's happened.
John Nettles has little to do in this episode other than break up quarrels and offer his own experience on being an alcoholic. What makes it an interesting episode is that it is something a bit different. There's a good cast who give their characters some depth; Gary Bond plays the singer who is still vain enough to think he deserves star treatment (but who shows a lot of vulnerability too, realising his youth has gone); Diane Langton is his former singing and romantic partner, a bottle blonde in a silly dress; James Booth is her new husband, who can see potential cracks appearing in his marriage.
Motive enough for murder?
Julia Ford as Suzy, a performer at the sleazy club in which Tony finds himself floundering until Dawn sings a duet with him, is very good indeed and handles well the part she has. She reminded me of Samantha Morton, delicate but also steely. It seems she'll be the future star as the episode plays out, as we now know (but she doesn't) who she is and why she has been the catalyst for what's happened.
