In Collision Course the title can be taken two ways, literally with Harriet’s case involving a collision between two ships in British waters that led to the deaths of three men as well as a final reckoning in Harriet’s long standing on-off-on relationship with Dr Ian Moody.
The shipping case is extremely complex, lots of different silks all fighting for a piece of the pie, depending on who was ultimately responsible.
Meanwhile on the relationship front Moody has basically had enough of waiting around for Harriet. He wants marriage or quits.
There is a nice bit of courtroom battling between Harriet and fellow barrister Fay Joyce, a kind of younger just as go ahead version of Harriet herself. Joyce is even married to a doctor. What’s interesting is that it is seeing Joyce laughing with her husband that makes Harriet realise how much Ian means to her. She agrees to marry him.
Having set the date for Friday the 13th it looks like Harriet’s shipping case may scupper their plans.
A strong end to the season and the series overall. Harriet and Ian finally tie the knot, with Bill as Best Man. It’s quite a funny sequence, Harriet has a frantic rush to get back to the courtroom to hear the Judge’s verdict.
Jennie Stoller as Fay Joyce, a younger version of Harriet herself and who acts as a catalyst for Harriet making the decision to finally marry Ian.It’s been an enjoyable series right from the first episode with a lovely central performance from Margaret Lockwood. It could have easily have continued for another season or two but there is a nice sense of completion with Harriet and Ian’s marriage. Now that she is silk and not struggling to make her mark in a man’s world she is confident enough to realise she can juggle her home life and career without having to sacrifice one or the other.
classic quote
“You’re going to have competition Harriet.”
“Is she that good.”
production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 16 August 1974 at 9.00pm
Writer: Bill MacIlwraith / Production Design: Howard Dawson / Director: Tony Wharmby
Series: Justice Season 3 Episode 13
cast
Margaret Lockwood as Harriet Peterson
John Stone as Dr Ian Moody
John Bryans as Bill
Rosie Collins as Rosie
Fulton Mackay as Judge
Tony Jay as Mr Papalonios
Roland MacLeod as Mr Sharp
Alan MacNaughton as Mr Ryton
Jennie Stoller as Fay Joyce
Frank Sieman as Mr Sopwith
Anthony Nash as Mr Dryden
Leonard Maguire as Captain MacGregor
Malcolm Terris as Mr Lawrence
Richard Beale as Mr Feltham
Richard Owens as Mr Ternton
Leonard Kavanagh as Registrar
