The present rating for this episode may not fill many with confidence, but the acting is superb, the dialogue well-written and concise, and the direction riveting; enough so to overshadow the predictable conclusion.
Templar's role and screen time is relatively minimal in this episode, but the episode remains a fine piece of television drama - if a bit detached from the main character of the series. Unfortunately, this isn't the case for Shirley Eaton's character, who doesn't do anything other than serve as window dressing; her presence is solely a convenience for tying up one of the loose plot ends at the conclusion.
Nevertheless, this mystery-genre story is miles better for gripping intrigue than any of the later, spy/Bondesque color episodes (not to say that those aren't in their own right entertaining, but in a different way). The difference is striking, especially if you happen to return to this episode immediately following a TV syndie run of the 1969 season.
One last comment: Some might classify the powerful ending as a "downer." Maybe so, but I wouldn't have ended the story any other way either.
A solid 9.0 - and not because it's just the first Moore-era Saint episode.moreless
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Roger Moore
Simon Templar
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Derek Farr
John Clarron
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Shirley Eaton
Adrienne Halberd
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