User Reviews

This episode probably comes the closest thus far in depicting the equivalent of the French Revolution's Reign of Terror to the rapidly unfolding Bolshevik uprising and takeover of the Russian government. The constant feeling of fear, menace, instability, stress and danger.is very pervasive. Also evident is the almost gratuitous cruelty visited upon the Bolshevik's unfortunate victims and the major role played by young women in the counter-revolutionary effort to remove Lenin and restore a sense of normalcy to the situation.

Reilly's grand scheme to topple Lenin and install himself as the head of a new government fails as the British are unable to deliver sufficient manpower resources to make the plan viable. As it turned out, cash alone was just not enough to seal the deal during the turmoil of this.unstable period, notwithstanding Reilly's best efforts. It is yet another illustration of that old saying---"man plans, and God laughs."

The assassination attempt on Lenin is vividly recreated in this episode, along with its destructive aftermath. One almost feels like "a fly on the wall" as these events unfold before our eyes. Life was very cheap at this moment of history.

Again we should take special note of the realistic period set design and costume design elements that contribute significantly to the realism of this episode. Reilly is almost a supporting player here, as the dramatic true-life events take center stage in the drama. This is an important and satisfying chapter in the Reilly Saga.

Sidney Reilly has an audacious plan to overthrow Lenin and install himself as the leader of Russia.

The British government has pledged some troops and Reilly and his supporters have a date set.

Lenin's treaty with the Germans has angered others, especially as he did not even read the contents of the treaty.

Lenin's intelligence chief Dzerzhinsky has misgivings about a high profile party event that is due to take place.

He persuades Lenin to change the dates leaving Reilly in limbo. When an attempt is made by someone else on Lenin's life. Reilly has reached his endgame and has to flee Moscow. The British are suspected to be behind the assassination attempt.

I am not sure how much truth is behind Reilly's plans, it is never remotely convincing. Just as wherever the episode is shot is not convincing as standing in for Russia. I liked the scenes around Lenin. Tom Bell shines as Dzerzhinsky.