User Reviews

Whenever I hear the name of something I'm unfamiliar with, I tend to look it up. The drug phenylthalamine mentioned in this story that was being used to poison Elizabeth Bourdon (Shirley Knight), has about the same effect as amphetamine, which if taken on a daily basis, would cause rapid heart rate, anxiety, or agitation. It's not necessarily poisonous although it could do some damage, which is what Arnold Bourdon (Anthony Franciosa) and Miss Grecco (Deborah Geffner) were counting on. There was probably something more potent they could have used, but that's what the screenwriters came up with. As for the anxiety and agitation, Mrs. Bourdon seemed to have that in spades to begin with, what with her constantly ringing the bell and nagging everyone in sight. She also held the purse strings as well, which is why husband Arnold didn't put up much of a fuss when the newest housemaid was sent on her merry way. I thought the hook with the homely looking replacement was a good way to put the ball back in Arnold's court, with a mom who would do anything for her son.

This is one of the not so good TOTU episodes.

For some 'unexplainable' reason, the cast are all Americans. Puzzling when you think this is a British series. Yes, occasionally, they have American guest stars but not the entire cast.

Arnold Bourdon is married to a rich attractive lady who is wheelchair bound. The thing is Arnie has an eye for the ladies. So when Arnie takes a shine to the new young female nurse, the secret lovers cook a plot to, let's say, make Mrs Bourdon disappear.

Okay, so now you have the plot. Sounds interesting but wait till I tell you Arnold is an old man in his late 50s and the young nurse is barely 25. Why she would want to flirt with an old man is beyond me. The pair behave as if they're love birds of the same age. His wife is at least 15 years younger than HIM. It's totally ridiculous because the episode tries to make out he has it all, looks and charm, but what he doesn't have is youth.

The end was 'unexpected' I'll give them that. But the old guy was too much for me. Just 4 out of 10.