Looking at RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY almost two decades after its first broadcast, one is struck by its old-fashioned nature. Shot on videotape, with the focus mostly on close-ups and two-shots, the plot unfolds at a slow, almost stately pace, allowing viewers to appreciate John Mortimer's sparkling dialog. The series ran for thirteen years on television, not to mention the radio version (which was still running as late as 2008). Apart from McKern's iconic central performance, the series benefited from a clutch of memorable supporting actors - Peter Blythe, Patricia Hodge, Peter Bowles, Julian Curry, Richard Murdoch and Abigail McKern. In this particular episode, a union member (Bryan Pringle) is wrongfully accused of murder. Needless to say Rumpole manages to acquit him, while outwitting a variety of other adversaries, including Erskine-Brown (Curry) and Guthrie Featherstone (Bowles). There's also a well-constructed subplot involving She Who Must Be Obeyed (Marian Mathie) following the example of other professions and going on strike. As with most Rumpole episodes, the denouement is both satisfying and right.