Rumpole is led by Sam Ballard in a murder case - Lady Derwent is accused of despatching her husband, a much older and distinguished artist. They share a large house with the artist's old mother and his daughter, who's five years younger than the wife. The artist is terminally ill and is given a diamorphine injection every day by a nurse. There are nods to Agatha Christie (carelessly leaving a medical bag in the hall) and Dorothy Sayers (omelettes). As Sam Ballard makes blunder after blunder, Rumpole tells him what to say. Fortunately Ballard knocks himself out with a chest expander and ends up in hospital being visited by "Matey", the law courts' nurse. Rumpole pulls off another win, and "Matey" becomes Mrs Ballard, giving an excuse for a final party in a marquee with all the cast. There are sub-plots about slimming, and Ms Probert's boyfriend. (Watch out for Mortimer himself - he often turns up in these party scenes.)
Review of Rumpole and the Quality of Life
