The Ransom of Richard Redstone

It is getting to the stage where half the episodes can be skipped because they feature some slapstick storyline. They aren't funny, and they are so tiresome to sit through.

Poor heiress in need of funds to save the family chateau kidnaps a rich arrogant and obnoxious American. That's Richie's cue to enter the story. He's drugged, handcuffed and held prisoner. When it's discovered that he's just pretending, there's lots of angry indignation. She even tells Richie "how could you do this to me, I trusted you". Did she forget that she conspired with a family friend to hunt, lure, and demand money from him?

Ridiculous plot, ridiculous characters. It's no wonder this was a shortened series and series 6 was half it's normal length before being cancelled.

This wasn't Highlander. At least it didn't have canned laughter and the characters breaking the fourth wall by gurning at the camera. It's even more jarring that it followed the moral quandary posed by the previous two episodes. Bad, just bad.

I loved this episode! I always like when a heavy, drama-laden series will take a week off and just revel in a silly, lighthearted piece of comic relief. Supernatural did it. Deep Space Nine did it. Star Trek TOS did it!

From the very opening seconds, I was hooked. As a James Bond fan for many decades, I recognized the opening music as a brilliant parody of both the 007 Theme and the James Bond Theme (yes, they are two different themes; often played together but not always). The ensuing car chase was also very reminiscent of many Bond situations. I watched with quivering anticipation to see who would step out of that red Ferrari! (I was surprised by the answer)

Throughout the series, I have often thought to myself, "Man, this Adrian Paul guy would have made a great James Bond!" Thanks to the producers, I have had a chance to see my hypothesis come true!

Yes, it was silly. Yes, it was a piece of fluff. But I laughed out loud many times. One of the few episodes I had to watch twice in a row before moving on, to make sure I hadn't missed any of the references.