A strong A theme where Nigel Havers' idealistic teacher is accused of a relationship with a pupil and a B theme where hapless Guthrie Featherstone is now being career directed by his wife in the aftermath of his unwise fling.
Rumpole thinks he's struck gold when he finds the Judge will be his best friend George Frobisher.
Unfortunately for Rumpole, George cannot guarantee not to jail Ransom if he's found guilty, even though Phyllida Trant, prosecuting, supports him in suggesting jail time might not apply as the girl was close to age of consent. Frobisher crustily suggests that sentencing is his job, not theirs.
Rumpole goes all out to win, anticipating taking the pupil apart on the witness stand. Unfortunately he isn't to realise that she's a flinty-hearted manipulator who is only using the accused to further her own interests.
Ransom is accordingly 'potted' by Frobisher.
I was sorry to see the degree of ire demonstrated by Rumpole when he cannot get Frobisher to see things his way. Rumpole is doing his job in defending Ransom - a doe eyed innocent who surely ought to have foreseen the likely outcome - but Frobisher in doing his job is 'in the public eye' so to speak, under the microscope in upholding public views and morals. (Just look at what later happens to Featherstone J in the later 'tap end').
Rumpole shows no appreciation of his friend's duty in doing his job, as he does in his own. Indeed, Rumpole says that he doesn't wish to become a Judge because he can't face putting someone in prison. But somebody has to do it.
Rumpole's anger is vented immediately in rudeness and on virtually every future occasion when they meet, not only losing the close friendship of his former 'best friend' in the process by rejecting every attempt Frobisher makes to heal the breach but finally turning him hostile in 'Bright Seraphim'. Soon Frobisher is only to be seen at Chambers' reunions, but not in Rumpole's company.
What price friendship to Rumpole here? Frobisher was only doing his duty as he saw it.
Rumpole thinks he's struck gold when he finds the Judge will be his best friend George Frobisher.
Unfortunately for Rumpole, George cannot guarantee not to jail Ransom if he's found guilty, even though Phyllida Trant, prosecuting, supports him in suggesting jail time might not apply as the girl was close to age of consent. Frobisher crustily suggests that sentencing is his job, not theirs.
Rumpole goes all out to win, anticipating taking the pupil apart on the witness stand. Unfortunately he isn't to realise that she's a flinty-hearted manipulator who is only using the accused to further her own interests.
Ransom is accordingly 'potted' by Frobisher.
I was sorry to see the degree of ire demonstrated by Rumpole when he cannot get Frobisher to see things his way. Rumpole is doing his job in defending Ransom - a doe eyed innocent who surely ought to have foreseen the likely outcome - but Frobisher in doing his job is 'in the public eye' so to speak, under the microscope in upholding public views and morals. (Just look at what later happens to Featherstone J in the later 'tap end').
Rumpole shows no appreciation of his friend's duty in doing his job, as he does in his own. Indeed, Rumpole says that he doesn't wish to become a Judge because he can't face putting someone in prison. But somebody has to do it.
Rumpole's anger is vented immediately in rudeness and on virtually every future occasion when they meet, not only losing the close friendship of his former 'best friend' in the process by rejecting every attempt Frobisher makes to heal the breach but finally turning him hostile in 'Bright Seraphim'. Soon Frobisher is only to be seen at Chambers' reunions, but not in Rumpole's company.
What price friendship to Rumpole here? Frobisher was only doing his duty as he saw it.
