Nothing To Live For is a supremely tense season opener as a possible case of euthanasia leads to the uncovering of some long held family secrets and a siege situation which develops as a result.
Another typically strong guest performance from Philip Madoc as Cyril Belmont who snaps when he discovers his son was fathered by close family friend Dr Paul Mason which leads to him shooting the doctor dead and taking his own wife hostage.
When the episode opens Ward is back in uniform, down to sergeant and has been bumped to T-Division, Traffic. At a leaving party for a colleague Ward persuades Kingdom to put in a good word for him in trying to get back on into plain clothes. Still as a sergeant naturally. Kingdom is able to pull a few strings and get Ward back – but on six months probation.
There was a later time slot for this second season, moving from early Saturday evening to prime time Friday night – a move definitely reflected in this hard edged episode.
production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 13 October 1972 at 9.00pm
Writer: Tony Hoare / Production Design: John Emery / Director: Bryan Izzard
New Scotland Yard Season 2 Episode 1
cast
John Woodvine as John Kingdom
John Carlisle as Alan Ward
Lynn Farleigh as Sarah Belmont
Mark Jones as Dr Paul Mason
Stephen White as Peter Belmont
Raymond Adamson as Ex Detective Supt Hamel
Charle Morgan as Harry Insley
John Peel as Detective Constable Sidey
Philip Madoc as Cyril Belmont
Peter Kenton as Constable
