Rumpole on Trial

This is the last ever episode of Rumpole of the Bailey no more will we see the learned council, jousting with intransigent judges. Or pitting his wits against incompetent legal adversaries, both of which are scarcely in short supply.

Who else could possibly portray the eponymous defence brief, but the equally brilliant Leo McKern?

I certainly wouldn't bother with any of the alternative incarnations on radio or TV, all rather pale imitations in comparison.

Has Rumpole finally given up the ghost, is it all getting far too much for him?

Along with the usual suspects in court, Rumpole has to contend with his dentist out of it.

Has he finally given up the ghost, is it all getting far too much for him?

After a lifetime of tilting at judicial windmills has it come to this, is it really the proverbial Hobson's Choice?

Between a home life with his dear spouse, she who must be Hilda?

Or a continued legal existence as, the official Brief to the Timpson Clan of south London petty criminals.

Decisions decisions Hilda, Dodo Macintosh, perpetual shopping, and the continual daily routine.

Or continue working alongside colleagues Sam Bollard, Claude Erskine Brown, and Liz Probert.

But which also entails contending with yet more Judges of the stamp, of the Mad Bull, Olly Oliphant and Injustice Graves?

Rumpole annoys Judge Oliphant while defending a boring man who claims his wife fell and hit her head on the fender. Claude thinks that Rumpole is talking to his client in the lunch break, when he's been told not to. Liz and Hilda stand by Rumpole.

And the gang's all here: Phillida Trant, now a judge. Judge Graves (who is rather suave), and one of the Timsons. That's at the usual party at the end.

But what happens to Mr Tong, beautifully played by Peter Sallis? All we hear is that he has run off with Mrs Grabowitz from next door.

John Mortimer has a cameo role at the judges' lunch, giving himself the line: "More madeira, Bishop?" Is this a reference to Joan Hickson's last line as Miss Marple, the stock remark: "More tea, vicar?"?

It could be the end of the road for Rumpole as he is irritable after a toothache.

Rumpole upsets Judge Oliphant at a murder trial and then Claude Erskine-Brown alleges that Rumpole spoke to the accused during the recess.

Rumpole's conduct is now scrutinised by the Bar Council. Worse Ballard is defending Rumpole.

It was not the best episode, it was obvious that Claude got the wrong end of the stick. There is a fine cameo from Peter Sallis as the accused.

This was the final episode of Rumpole of the Bailey. Thames Television lost its ITV franchise.

There is a celebratory ending as past and present cast members get together for one last time.

Apparently Rumpole might be rebooted soon. This time as a female barrister. The big problem is that legal procedures have changed a lot in the last 30 years.

It's all cards on the table and written witness statements exchanged in advance these days. A wily fox like Rumpole might find that his teeth have been blunted.