When directors are weak or they don't have confidence in the material, they have their characters shout their lines in the hope viewers won't notice the lack of plot, characterization, comedy, drama, you name it.
This episode have the Ol' Bill hot on the trail of Lovejoy and his associates, as if a fake-up armoire would draw the attention of Scotland Yard. In order to make it plausible, I suppose, the coppers yell at each other and at Lovejoy, Tinker and Eric.
Tinker mostly keeps his cool, but Eric Catchphrase does his usual cranky, shouty, I-just-p00ped-my-pants act. Luckily for me, Eric's never-before-seen uncle wants Eric to come sling pints at his dank bar. It's like an answer to all my prayers. And about two seasons overdue. Catchphrase hasn't added anything to the show since the episode where he restored the motorbike and his character has stagnated.
New to the show this year are Charlotte Cavendish played by. Caroline Langrish, and. Beth Taylor, played by Diane Parish. Whereas Lady Jane was an integral part of her episodes, jury is still out whether Charlotte is anything more than a good-looking auctioneer. Bath adds absolutely nothing and has poor Ms Parish has zero screen presence.
I think I can see the end of Lovejoy from where I'm standing now.
