In Old Amsterdam

[gervase_fen]

Had a pleasant surprise last night watching "Man of Iron" (Van Der Valk, third series, episode 5).  Dave Carter's bumbling Brigadier Stribos turned up, for a couple of non-sequitur scenes, the only character aside from Van Der Valk himself to have carried over from the first two series played by the same actor. Dave Carter isn't listed in the credits on the programme or on imdb, which leads me to wonder if this was a last mnute patch-up perhaps at the behest of Geoffrey Gilbert. (The other highlight was Philip Sayer in shades, leather jacket and stubble, cosplaying David Tennant).

I've not been enjoying this Euston incarnation of Van der Valk as much - the production difficulties which led to the series being cancelled are evident in any scene set in Van Der Valk's apartment, a location even more spacious and slightly less credible than the contemporary TARDIS control room.  The series also lacks a sidekick figure to smooth down Van Der Valk's acerbity, played so effortlessly by Michael Latimer in years one and two. 

There have been highlights. Tne best story so far - which didn't feel as if it was a Sweeney script with the serial number filed off - was Ted Childs' "Accidental", with some perfectly cast guest stars, thoughtful sleuthing and lush location work for the denouement.

Comments

[sir_guinglain]

I need to catch up - I have a bank of Robert Banks Stewart-era and Euston-era episodes to catch up on. I've been warned how disappointing the Euston era is.