Bergerac: Poison (BBC-1 21 Feb 1987, with Alfred Burke)

In Poison Susan is acting rather out of character, the normally ever present twinkle in her eye is gone and she is not only making furtive phone calls but she is lying to Jim about where she has been. Things reach crisis point when Jim sees her kissing another man.

Meanwhile the Mason group that Charlie belongs to is caught up in a murder mystery when one of their number is poisoned closely followed by a second. It seems two million pounds has gone missing from the charitable trust the lodge runs and someone is out to make sure the lodge members pay.

The fabulous Alfred Burke, best known for his long running role in Public Eye, has the main guest star role but there is also an appearance from Philip Bond, another strong player of 1970’s TV with roles in both The Onedin Line and The Main Chance.

The episode though belongs to the break down of the relationship of Susan and Jim. She of course feels that he is never around and takes her for granted. He does of course, not that Jim see it that way.

Philip Bond plays lawyer Temperley.

classic quote
“I went straight down to the supermarket, bought all these myself, straight off the shelves, no messing.” – Charlie to Jim after spending the weekend by himself and cooking himself baked beans on toast.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×55 minute episode / Broadcast 21 February 1987

Writer: John Fletcher / Production Design: Ken Ledsham / Director: Robert Tronson

Series: Bergerac Season 5 Episode 8

cast
John Nettles as Jim Bergerac
Louise Jameson as Susan Young
Sean Arnold as Crozier
Terence Alexander as Charles Hungerford
Alfred Burke as Dr Anderson
Bernard Archard as Dr Rodgers
Philip Bond as Temperley
Bruce Gordon as Patterson
Philip Anthony as Price
Geoffrey Leesley as Det Con Wilson
Jolyon Baker as Det Con Goddard
Nancy Mansfield as Peggy Masters
Peter Tuddenham as Minister
Ken Oxman as Eric