In Accidental the Chief Prosecutor in a high level international corruption scandal has gone missing. It’s not the first time the prosecutor, a keen ornithologist, has disappeared on a bird watching expedition but it looks like this time it may be something more sinister.
With a visit due from a prominent US politician, Samson wants Van der Valk to investigate but to do so without making it obvious he is investigating.
Meanwhile Van der Valk also has his hands full with a con man who has is cashing forged cheques across the city’s banks.
Quite a low key episode but the cast is first rate including a couple of Doctor Who alumni in the shape of Patrick Troughton (as a priest) and William Russell (as the disappearing Rokin who has simply had enough of his current life) as well as Freddie Jones as the cheque cashing conman. There are also appearances from Julia Goodman, Hildegard Neil and Mary Healey.
production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Monday 12 September 1977 at 9.00pm
Writer: Ted Childs / Director: Tom Clegg
Series: Van der Valk Season 3 Episode 2
cast
Barry Foster as Van der Valk
Joanna Dunham as Arlette
Nigel Stock as Samson
Freddie Jones as Joop Pater
Hildegard Neil as Mrs Rokin
Patrick Troughton as Father Bosch
Hubert Rees as Berger
Peter Godfrey as Zeller
William Russell as Rokin
Mary Healey as Berte Merks
Anthony Milner as Brinkham
Julia Goodman as Christina van Meer