Patricia Routledge, seen here for her debut as the private detective, is a true 'tour de force' and amazing performer. This first instalment is quite a bit darker and has a number of wooden actors and weak characters which thankfully all changed in the latter series of hers called: Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. Despite a fairly mediocre production generally, Ms. Routledge manages to convey the whole range of emotions that personify this role and character to a tee. The very dated (I have only now come across this episode in 2024) wardrobe, scenes and details are quite cheesy now but worth a look. I really am glad her later shows are much lighter and a bit more intelligent than this one except that the various side stories here (especially the scenes with her friend and the husband's death) are very powerful still.
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