A bit plodding in places but I think this is a good episode nonetheless.

In terms of character-building, this ep is one for Cowley, essentially: the lads are doing all the leg work while The Cow does all the thinking. When the lads make fun of him by pinning a photo of his face onto a cutting of a topless model he is far too preoccupied with other matters to rebuke them. In fact he seems glad to find some humour.

The scene in which the lads interrogate Turvey is very corny and laboured (the "particularly good Malt Scotch" exchange is a rare occasion when Brian Clemens' sense of humour failed to make me laugh) and not helped by the actors playing Turvey's grandchildren. (In fairness, though, apparently a different actress was used to dub the Julie Turvey lines during post-production).

There are a few action scenes in this story and the plot works quite well but it has too much "filling"!

Fave line: "I don't need your help!" / "Not here to help, sir, just to pick up a few tips!"

By now the writers and the actors have smoothed over the initial awkwardness and the dialogue and action move smoothly. All three main characters are given opportunities to develop, particularly Cowley. He's shown as a strong leader, beloved enough to be teased but powerful enough to bring down anyone who harms one of his people. I like this Cowley! He manages the young agents well!

Several very nice scenes which don't do much to further the plot but which work marvelously to get us closer to Bodie and Doyle as people. The rather domestic "tea scene" in the lounge, for instance. The dialogue about Bodie's gun in the car and the manner in which they handle the hit man. There are two primo "Doyle yelps" in this one. <G> Nice understated sympathetic commentary from Bodie, echoed by Ray, about the gay policewoman. Marvelous exchange with the Scots hunting guide which includes a "glowering and threatening" Bodie and a number of "keeper quotes", such as:

"You have to be mad in this job or you'll go insane."

"Corruption: where the worms are."

I like the closure scene where Bodie chooses his partner and respect for the slain agent over his own pleasure.

The plot works for me – the over-anxious corrupt minister using his influence and friendships to make certain his backside is still covered leading to his final undoing. Good "justice will triumph" stuff.

Two pictures of half-naked women. Ah, well. It was early days for gender sensitivity. I give the writers points for the lesbian material. Well done there.

Sorry to see Richard Greene in a baddie role – I adored him as Robin Hood when I was young!

We learn that Susie was pushed from a ninth storey window, yet when the lads investigate room 96, they only appear to be four or five storeys up. (Thanks to Chris Swindells)

Scripting blooper: Bodie says that Cowley had ordered the lads to stay away from Turvey before CI5 op Tony Miller was hit. In fact it was afterwards.

At Ann Berry's kennels, we see the Bodie's Capri's windscreen being shot out, yet it is perfectly intact when they leave. (Thanks to Victor Velkov)

Richard Greene (Turvey) played the epnymous role in the popular 1950s series The Adventures of Robin Hood (how many of these have survived?). Sadly died following a fall at his home in 1985.

Michael Denison is probably best remembered for his Croft Original TV ads during the late 1970s/early 80s. He never really pursued a TV or movie career, tending to prefer stage. His last work was that with Martin Shaw in An Ideal Husband before passing away in 1998.

Peter Blake (young Tony) came to prominence in the 1980s in John Sullivan's sitcom Dear John (why has this never had a repeat run??) where he played cool-guy Kirk St Moritz. Blake has guested in various popular programmes such as Minder, The New Statesman and Jonathan Creek.

With a career usually playing support roles in shows such as The Sweeney and The New Avengers, Gary Waldhorn (Turner) didn't find his niche until being offered a role in the hilarious, long-running Dawn French sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.

Charles Keating (Frank, the hitman) was a regular star as barrister James Eliot in the early years of Crown Court. He's barely recognisable here and, to be honest, his acting talents are rather wasted. Emigrated to the US in the 1980s and guested in episodic series such as The Equalizer.

Helen Cotterill (Ann Berry's partner, Sally) is best remembered for the classic Ronnie Barker sitcom Open All Hours. According to fan Chris Swindells, she has recently starred in Frasier as Daphne's mother.