Hadleigh: Second Thoughts (ITV 29 Jun 1973, with Jacqueline Pearce)

In Second Thoughts James is still waiting for Jennifer to make a decision on whether to marry him or not. When Jennifer’s new flat is burgled James whisks her away to Melford to get over the shock. She realises that there is actually nothing holding her back from marrying James and finally says yes.

Jenny’s friends Tony and Lois think she may be rushing into the decision. Lois especially as she is more than keen to get married herself. Oliver Mason, who introduced James and Jennifer and carries something of a torch for her (and has had a brief affair with her) is also rather perturbed about the arrangement.

Much of the final third of the episode is given over to arrangements for the wedding. Oliver, despite his reservations, has agreed to best man and James makes a good impression on Jennifer’s father Charlie. The episode ends with James and Jennifer both saying I Do.

The always excellent Gerald James is Jennifer’s father and Jacqueline Pearce makes an appearance as a friend of Jennifer’s. Nigel Hawthorne is quietly brilliant as Oliver Mason, it’s the unspoken moments that are the strongest. The first two episodes of the series have been superb actually, both written by Jeremy Paul and bode well for the rest of the season.

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 29 June 1973 at 9.00pm

Writer: Jeremy Paul / Production Design: Eric Shedden / Director: Mike Newell

Series: Hadleigh Season 3 Episode 2

cast
Gerald Harper as James Hadleigh
Hilary Dwyer as Jennifer Caldwell
Nigel Hawthorne as Oliver Mason
Jacqueline Pearce as Sue
Donald Sumpter as Tony
Georgina Melville as Lois
Peter Dennis as Sutton
Gwen Harris as Mrs Lillee
Gwen Cherrell as Aunt Pauline
Ambrosine Phillpotts as Helen
Kathy Staff as Mrs Brennan
Gerald James as Charlie Caldwell
Jonathan Holt as Hurst
Harry Walker as Detective
Bart Allison as Jenkins