Reviews

Espionage again is an intriguing subject in British detective mysteries. I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling episode of Father Brown.

That MI5 would be meeting in a senile politician's home with a ridiculous cover was over the top. But it didn't affect the quality of the story whatsoever.

The writing was absolutely brilliant. Terrific twists and turns. Very solid acting with very mysterious characters as spies. It's difficult to point out a single actor they all were so good in their performances.

I was waiting for Lady Felicia's (Nancy Carrroll) involvement during the war knowing the MI5 agent. But it never was revealed. Possibly in future episodes it could be used in an interesting plot.

Easy 10* episode without even thinking about it it was so good.

These stores aren't huge like Walmart but not tiny like a gas station's product area. I'm sure payroll is constantly cut by the CEO and his underlings to maximize profits. Then the abused workers are put in understaffed situations we saw here.

1000 case loads to be stocked by one person crows is ridiculous. With other duties when the store is open to be working solo they must be exhausted after thirteen hour shifts. Is the stocker getting lunch and breaks?

The distribution center looks like a very dangerous place. The forklift that goes 35 feet high with the driver strapped in on a tiny ledge would frighten anyone.

Interesting episode exposing an in the dark CEO, and underpaid overworked employees. The gifts at the end and their disparities are curious. Why should someone get gifts while fellow workers not on the show get nothing?

The first part is a rough watch how rock bottom gloomy it is dealing with poor Alice Henley as Alice Armstrong's living hell. Once that is past it gets quite good.

Father Brown (Mark Williams) again is masterful breaking the case. A little problem with Peter, Magnus, and the debt collector looking so similar. But that sorted out as the episode progressed.

David Calder as Sir Aaron Armstrong again as always is terrific as a British detective mystery staple. Alice Henley early was made up to look rather haggard. But, as her mental healing progressed her true beauty also was allowed to come out looking more natural.

Very good episode in a very entertaining season two.

Another enjoyable story that wonderfully clicks throughout. Height seemingly changing scene to scene John Light as devious Hercule Flambeau I'm still undecided if I like his casting. Thought he was better in his first appearance.

Father Brown (Mark Williams) literally solved this case on his own consistently a step ahead of master thief Hercule Flambeau who reaps the rewards of Father Brown's work.

Anton Lesser (Father Ignatius) a staple of British detective mysteries again gives an excellent performance. Professor Ambrose looks like popcorn Orville Redenbacher which was humorous. Alex Price as Sid Carter is becoming an integral sidekick with valuable protection for Father Brown.

Not a glamorous setting at all as most British detective mysteries are. No majestic architecture, castles, or beautiful English countryside. But the setting is a lousy, stinking pig farm. Gets quite gloomy with the dirty pig farm setting and it's family members all on the wacko side.

It gets very entertaining when Father Brown (Mark Williams) starts to solve the case piecing together all the clues bit by bit. Tremendous casting of the creepy family all odd and eccentric. Interestingly Susan Brown as Ethel Fernsley I thought bears a striking resemblance to the second Doris Ziffel Fran Ryan on "Green Acres" who ironically had a pet pig.

Another very enjoyable episode in the series.

The acting was excellent with wonderful, stuffy arrogant unique characters. Very little Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan and no obligatory belittling of much wiser Father Brown solving his cases for him.

Questions I raised watching if Marcia Warren as Miss Audrey Diggle could uncover the bloodline curse and swap so easily why couldn't anyone else in so many years past. The birthright butler being so submissive and wanting no riches was a bit too convenient and unrealistic someone would pass on winning a huge jackpot.

The bloodline birthright was explained by Father Brown but a touch fuzzy and not 100% satisfying as told. Would Bunty be marrying a distant cousin?

I'm really happy I made my way back to "Father Brown" mysteries that I've seen a little bit here and there years back. The series is on a tremendous roll of quality episodes. Hopefully continues for many more.

This episode was so intense mixed with the tension between Father Brown and no nonsense Tom Chambers as new Inspector Sullivan. My first thought seeing the patients at the mental hospital was a revisit to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". I enjoy how more and more daring and aggressive Father Brown is getting.

Wonderful acting by the zany patients. You just knew the doctor and nurse were into something diabolical. The ending revealing though somewhat predictable was very entertaining and neatly tied up loose ends.

Mystery, suspense, and even a touch of comedy here and there. Everything works marvelously in another stellar episode of the series. It's really amazing how classic British detective mysteries like this can put out so many quality episodes in such a short period of time.

Another steller story that's just a true mystery. No gory murder proves the fun of watching these mysteries is in the clever solving process not the actual crimes.

Ironically Hugo Speer as Inspector Valentine finally get some depth in his character and this will be his last episode unfortunately. Tiny flaw to the series was that Inspector Valentine could have been a little more clever competition for Father Brown (Mark Williams).

I really enjoyed this episode.

This brilliant adversary thief has been done numerous times in British detective mysteries. Moriarty battling wits with Sherlock Holmes is very memorable. This episode didn't disappoint diving into this niche. The cramped train riding car was perfectly used to pack Father Brown in with the possible suspects.

I enjoyed how the clues were revealed mid episode through Father Brown's keen observations and assessments so far in the episode leading him to his strategical next moves.

Plenty of good acting performances creating unique characters in the mystery. I especially enjoyed stone-faced Malcolm Storry as Bishop Talbot and Patrick Brennan as Mr Dawson / Quip nailing the part of the masterfully lieing through his teeth small time con man.

A very enjoyable 10* episode.

Had many entertaining qualities. The lunatic Mayor (Sam Crane as William Knight) and his oddball full of hate for each other family made for an energetic lead in to a decent story. All the one time characters were very unique. I especially liked Fern Deacon's (as wacky brat Kathleen Knight) performance.

I think it would add a lot to the stories if Hugo Speer as Inspector Valentine was more clever and better competition for Father Brown (Mark Williams). Last few episodes though good viewing lacked a stellar surprise villain reveal ending. Writing is impressive but not a lot of candidates for the villain red herrings.

The three slim male characters with dark hair was somewhat confusing who's who at first before the characters developed. A strong story masterfully crafted with an excellent ending with dyslexia revealed clues. Problem though that the villain was too obvious. If you can figure out the villain half way through the suspense becomes less intriguing.

Strong acting throughout. Of course, usual fine performance by Mark Williams as Father Brown. He was born to play this role. Pretty Flora Spencer-Longhurst was excellent as creepy and mysterious Lucia Galloway.

Always fun when a dog (Mr Gillespie) plays a role in solving the case. The conflict between Father Brown and Hugo Speer as Inspector Valentine is fun but could use a little more depth.

If you look at the casting on IMDB for the whole *Bewitched" series it's hard to find many people of color casted. Seems a bit hypocritical to this episode's message of inclusion.

Not much of any humor that "Bewitched" is so known for in this episode. There's a token snob spell cast on Darrin (Dick York) by Endora (Agnes Moorehead). Not much focus really on the spell. Creates a minimum amount of humor.

Wasted appearance by versatile and talented actor Edward Andrews as J. Earl Rockeford who is lead actor in some classic "Twilight Zone" episodes. Harriet E. MacGibbon as bland Jessica Morton nothing like her funny portrayal of Mildred Drysdale in "The Beverly Hillbillies".

I'm rewatching the Endora casts a spell on Darrin (Dick York) episodes. This is the final and without question the worst of those.

One thing I've noticed about "Father Brown" mysteries is they don't have the obligatory British mystery dreadfully boring case buildup. These can drag out sometimes up to half of a story before it gets interesting.. Father Brown mysteries are thankfully fast paced from beginning to end.

"The Devil's Dust" dealt with a horrible subject matter and it's effects on innocent people. The tie in to radioactive panic really made me think about the level of fear in people at the time, how intense it was and how widespread.it stretched.

At times kind-hearted Mrs McCarthy (Sorcha Cusack) was a nasty fear monger here. Nice touch that Father Brown wouldn't stick up for her in the end.

There are classic sitcom episodes that are not memorable that you forget over time. This isn't one of those. Watch this episode and you'll never forget the gut busting funny two talking busts. Not only were the busts funny on their own merit but the awkwardness and reactions they created were hilarious.

Some of the best Larry Tate (David White) scenes. When he and Campbell (Cliff Norton) first hear the busts talk then as the episode progresses it's pure comedy magic. Nice writing twist that everybody denies what they're hearing. Transferring the busts to the den was also brilliant.

No political correctness here. The overindulgence of alcohol was overdone but necessary to tie into the spectacle's "What's happening" explanation. Cliff Norton was okay but the part of Campbell could have probably been better cast.

Definitely in my top 10 of all time funniest classic sitcom bits.

Excellent production quality of this episode. The story reached its goal of an all around creepiness to the unraveling of the surely certain dreadful truths revealed. Mark Williams as Father Brown again is terrific portraying his character.

Little comical that the nuns can attract a beauty queen like sister Mary Magdalene.to join a selfless, austere, and life of much sacrifice. All the actresses playing nuns were fabulous. I especially liked voluble Sister Boniface. Seeing she has her own spin-off series. It will be a must see to check out. Will be interesting to see if it's dragged down being made in the woke politically correct 2020s.

The episode was a fun view. I had a problem with the villainess clues being revealed a bit too early. That hindered it from being a great episode.

Nothing clicked. The doll spell theme never worked. When a sitcom episode has an unfunny premise there's nowhere to go but down. The supporting non-regular actors all were bland. All the actors noticeably struggled with the lame script. It was never explained who really was the Cliff Norton character. A creation of Endora (Agnes Moorehead)? We know he's tied in to Endora. But, he just pops up out of the blue. Not one of Cliff Norton's more memorable roles.

Bright spots were the performances of Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery. Though they appeared to be struggling with the scenes bombing. Also a cute epilogue but it couldn't save a time waster episode.

This episode was truly a treat. Loaded with non-stop big laughs. Dick York (as Darrin Stephens) again shows his ability for zany humor. Though the instant courtesy is over the top each scene Dick York is in pours out the comedy and nothing is forced. Just pure comedic genius.

Also, the episode was a true gem for David White (as Larry Tate). Classic signature flip-flopping of his stance going whichever way suits his needs best. Larry's home looks surprisingly meager for an advertising business owner/partner. The couch Larry was sitting on looks so tiny and uncomfortable.

It's really funny when Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) intercepted people's thoughts and controlled what they said. One of the funniest parts for me was when people said things against their will because of a spell saying out loud wondering "Why'd I say that?"

Herb Voland as Charlie Traynor was his usual excellent. Bland Mala Powers as Adrienne Sebastian could have been cast better.

A wonderful vehicle to showcase how versatile and truly talented Dick York (as Darrin Stephens) was. Dick York is such a natural sometimes I take for granted how unique his acting abilities were. Second Darrin Dick Sergeant could of never pulled off what Dick York did comedically in this episode.

I'm rewatching the Endora (Agnes Moorehead) puts a spell on Darrin episodes. Interesting how Elizabeth Montgomery lets Dick York do his thing and stays in the background quite a bit. The Tabitha character wisely is rarely seen in these episodes.

Excellent performance by a rattled Larry Tate (David White) as Dick York's straight man.

Some big laughs of course but the whole picked up by the garbage truck, and Dick Wilson finding little Darrin wasn't particularly funny. The hilarious Gladys (Sandra Gould) should have had more interaction with little Darrin. Now that would have been funny evidenced by the one time she did see him.

Funniest parts were Darrin shrinking next to Larry (David White) with Larry's funny disbelief in what he's seeng with his very own eyes. Then, of course the big laugh of Gladys seeing little Darrin scrambling to get in the house from the driveway and his car.

Creepy side of the classic episode was the horrible treatment Darrin endures from vile Endora (Agnes Moorehead). Then, despite everything Darrin endures during the episode he's made to apologize to his monster mother-in-law. Great episode. Just took a wrong turn at the end with Dick Wilson and the whole garbage thing.

The thing that made the spell Endora (Agnes Moorehead) cast on Darrin's (Dick York) people he interacted with funnier was the mortals losing it and wondering why they felt and said that they did. The looks on their faces in confusion was hilarious. David White's (as Larry Tate) forte is his bewildered state.

Some great trivia. Roland Waters (a rare McMann appearance) the most memorable Charlie Chan. George Ives was brilliant as a hard nosed client turned Darrin marveller.

The special episode had a wonderful comedic flow. Nothing was forced, or outrageous. Lots of funny facial expressions by the confused Darrin worshippers.

One of.the series' funniest episodes. A huge home run whoever thought of the ears getting bigger each lie. The Kravitz's (George Tobias as Abner, Sandra Gould as Gladys) are always hysterically funny. The second Gladys is almost as good as the first unlike the two Darrins. The best laugh was Gladys freaking out when she sees the big ears.

A treat to see the stunning Joan Hotchkis (Dr. Nancy from "The Odd Couple") as Alice Swanton. Casting of Myra De Groot as Hazel Carter was ok. The classic episode's only tiny flaw was was the casting of vanilla Thomas Browne Henry as Grayson who didn't add anything..

First thought is McDonald Carey (as Joe Baxter) in a sitcom? But, his comedy actually wasn't too bad. His acting though surprisingly seemed a little stiff for a veteran seasoned actor like himself.

Not a hilarious episode. Best parts are on the golf course. All three actors McDonald Carey, Dick York, and David White all appeared to have some golfing experience. All three had somewhat respectable swings. The writers must have had limited football knowledge. McDonald Carey in one of his stale football stories referred to a snap from center to the quarterback as a pass. Odd that Samantha wore a big winter coat at the end to the movies. But during the day it was hot evidenced by the country club swimming pool being open.

Overall, a fun episode to watch.

Finished "Lewis" which was very good. Tried "Vera" and "Blue Murder". Bailed out on both as they were not satisfying viewing. Highly flawed with inferior writing. Am starting "Father Brown" on the fifth episode because I watched a few early episodes years back I didn't rate or review. I'll backtrack to those eventually.

I absolutely loved this episode. Brilliant performance by Michael Maloney as lunatic Kalon. Mark Williams is masterful in his role with his cadence, and delivery of his lines. His facial expressions and how he carries himself is perfect for his character. Funny how British detective mystery delusional occult groups always attract the most gorgeous of females. Stunning Kasia Koleczek as Susie Jasinski lit up the screen.

The episode clicked all the way through with witty writing. Not a big fan of one suspect with limited red herrings stories but this one worked really well. Looking forward to the next episode.

The casting and performancees of the two Italians (Renzo Cesana as Mr. Arcarius, Freddie Roberto as Mr. Romani) was brilliant. They worked extremely well with David White and Dick York.

I thought the episode was only going to be average after the excellent reveal of Dick York first speaking Italian. The twist that really invigorated the comedy was Dick York not being able to speak or understand English. Then, the hilarious comedy really took off. Definitely one of Dick York's best Bewitched episodes and performances.

I don't know if it was intentional or not but Endora (Agnes Moorehead) seems a little more likable. Some great confused facial expressions not only by Dick York but also David White.

Surprisingly, the episode wasn't big time funny. Even with favorites of mine Bernard Fox as Dr Bombay, and Martin Frome as Mr Hornbeck. My favorite Martin Frome work was when he was Aunt Bee's shady boss in "The Andy Griffith Show".

It's funnier when Endora (Agnes Moorehead) puts a spell on Darrin (Dick York). Great together Dick York and David White seemed to struggle until the salesmen appeared. Then it picked up with David White going on a funny comedic roll.

Surprised Darrin even let's creepy Endora in the house let alone babysit. Just an average classic sitcom episode like this is still much better than any US PC TV sitcom made today.