Bernard Peel (Christopher George) is an American businessman living in England, married to an exceptional corporate lawyer. He returns home from a party one evening, has a drink and falls asleep. He is woken by the doorbell and is alarmed to find the police. They tell him they have been tipped-off about an incident involving him and his wife. He is utterly incredulous. An inspection of the house shows evidence of a violent incident and of a female visitor but Bernard denies all knowledge. Matters get far worse when the boot of his car is opened and his wife's body is found.
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| Bernard Peel is shocked to find the scene of an apparent crime - and himself under suspicion by the police |
Bernard is arrested by the police for the murder of his wife. He strenuously denies responsibility and calls in the services of the foppish but remarkably skilled private investigator Matthew Earp (Dinsdale Landen). Earp approaches the case with typical incisiveness and is true to his word that he will prove who killed Jennifer Peel.
Review
The third series opened with five quite exceptional stories so maybe it was too much to expect its closing member to match that standard and so it proved. Even allowing for that it is one of the least impressive episodes of Thriller, although it does have its virtues.
The story premise is quite a novel one for the show. The onus is on trying to clear a suspect who the police feel certain has killed his wife, whereas usually stories were either whodunits or made clear the identity of the killer from the start. Of course if Bernard Peel is not the killer the quest is to find the real culprit. Unfortunately the action never really catches fire, maybe because so many of the characters are quite unremarkable. There is no problem with the performances but very few make a real impression. The outstanding exception of course is the fabulous Matthew Earp. Earp was the only character to reappear in Thriller and he is excellent, just as witty and incisive as in An Echo Of Theresa. It has to be said that neither episode was particularly distinguished and both rather need this character's presence although a contrary view might be that it may have encouraged an over-reliance on him which could have been devoted to developing the story or other characters more. There is always the risk that the quality of a star character or actor can be a distraction from the whole but maybe it was sensed there wasn't enough depth or quality elsewhere so it was best to give Earp such priority.
Review
The third series opened with five quite exceptional stories so maybe it was too much to expect its closing member to match that standard and so it proved. Even allowing for that it is one of the least impressive episodes of Thriller, although it does have its virtues.
The story premise is quite a novel one for the show. The onus is on trying to clear a suspect who the police feel certain has killed his wife, whereas usually stories were either whodunits or made clear the identity of the killer from the start. Of course if Bernard Peel is not the killer the quest is to find the real culprit. Unfortunately the action never really catches fire, maybe because so many of the characters are quite unremarkable. There is no problem with the performances but very few make a real impression. The outstanding exception of course is the fabulous Matthew Earp. Earp was the only character to reappear in Thriller and he is excellent, just as witty and incisive as in An Echo Of Theresa. It has to be said that neither episode was particularly distinguished and both rather need this character's presence although a contrary view might be that it may have encouraged an over-reliance on him which could have been devoted to developing the story or other characters more. There is always the risk that the quality of a star character or actor can be a distraction from the whole but maybe it was sensed there wasn't enough depth or quality elsewhere so it was best to give Earp such priority.
Dinsdale Landen was made for this role and it would have been useful to see him in further adventures, either within Thriller or elsewhere. Once again he shows not just mental acumen but physical prowess and bravery. There are also some neat exchanges with Gifford (Edward Hardwicke) the detective who quietly resents Earp's involvement as well as his enormous fees.
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| Matthew Earp (right) with Tulliver, Bernard Peel and Maycroft in happier times at the party before the dramatic events |
Of the remainder of the cast Christopher George does a fair job as Bernard Peel. Hans Meyer has a nice part as a director of Peel's business who is clearly suspicious of him and unhappy about being down the pecking order. There is a note-worthy appearance by veteran actor Richard Todd as Tulliver, one of Bernard's colleagues. Suzanne Neve returned in another key role in Won't Write Home Mom - I'm Dead in Series 5 while Belinda Mayne does a nice turn as a rather unhelpful and unenthusiastic shop assistant whom Earp encounters..
The twist at the end is one of the most inventive. In a better episode this would have been a hugely satisfying conclusion but here it's really just the television equivalent of a consolation goal. Judged away from the Thriller context this would be quite good value and the show - even when a little off-form as here - is still well worth watching.
Notes
Gifford applies the handcuffs to Bernard Peel in a fraction of a second, displaying amazing skill and speed.
Christopher George's wife Lynda had been the star of the preceding story Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are.
ITC Movie title-watch
1974 was a big year for the martial arts and they make an appearance here, with karate being employed by one assassin. Unfortunately they also make for a very silly piece of art-work on the movie end-titles in which a fist above what is supposed to be Bernard Peel's head (though looking more like Lieutenant Colombo) appears to be pulling his hair!
The twist at the end is one of the most inventive. In a better episode this would have been a hugely satisfying conclusion but here it's really just the television equivalent of a consolation goal. Judged away from the Thriller context this would be quite good value and the show - even when a little off-form as here - is still well worth watching.
Notes
Gifford applies the handcuffs to Bernard Peel in a fraction of a second, displaying amazing skill and speed.
Christopher George's wife Lynda had been the star of the preceding story Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are.
ITC Movie title-watch
1974 was a big year for the martial arts and they make an appearance here, with karate being employed by one assassin. Unfortunately they also make for a very silly piece of art-work on the movie end-titles in which a fist above what is supposed to be Bernard Peel's head (though looking more like Lieutenant Colombo) appears to be pulling his hair!
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