Harry's Back

Property Developer Harry Simpson is back from Spain, everyone is pleased to see him, everyone apart from Andy Crawford that is. A popular, Jack the lad character, Harry is generous and fun loving, but rotten to the core, Andy unfortunately hasn't been able to make anything stick.

A very enjoyable episode, partly I think because I can recognise the character, I'd say we all know a Harry, I had an uncle who was very similar, everyone's favourite guy in the pub, a karaoke singer, bingo caller etc, nobody saw the temper or anger however, too clever for that.

I love the idea of someone presenting such a happy go lucky, cheerful front, but passing all of the orders and dirty work off to someone the complete opposite, total contrast between Harry and Bernie.

Credit to Lee Montague, excellent performance from him, he gets the perfect balance,

Michael Sheard may have looked the part of a villain, but he genuinely was the loveliest man you could ever meet, Bernie is so emotionless, so menacing, Sheard was truly versatile, much missed.

8/10.

Harry Simpson (Lee Montague) is back from Spain but not by choice. He had left Britain under suspicion of murdering his business partner.

Harry was always a charmer and generous as well. He is given a hero's welcome at his local pub. They all think Harry is wonderful as he lavishes them with drinks, anecdotes and tips.

The police don't think much of Harry. They could never get any evidence though. Harry always paid off any witnesses or frightened them off.

Detective Sergeant Andy Crawford is determined to nail Harry. Even Dixon has his doubts as to how much of a villain Harry really is.

Harry puts on the charm offensive at the Chief Superintendent at the local golf club. All to keep Andy on the leash.

Obviously Harry is more than inspired by the Krays and gangsters of their ilk. The local neighbourhood see Harry as one of their own. They could not believe he would ever commit murder.

I did think the coffee table bit was rather weak that contained something important. Harry should had just plonked it in front of them. It was also fortuitous for Andy that the dead body conveniently turned up.

Shown in 1974, this could had easily been an episode of The Bill which came out on ITV a decade later. I actually recall a story from The Bill where the police chief gets sort of leant on by some oily villains at his golf club. They wanted to get approval for a casino aimed at toffs and rich boys.