by Ted Davis

Original Air Date: January 14, 1990

Directed by: Edward Bennett

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!

Synopsis: Hercule Poirot (David Suchet), symmetrical Belgian and self-proclaimed World’s Greatest Detective, is suffering one his periodic bouts of frustration and longs desperately for a criminal case worthy of his specialized talents. He gets his wish and more when the elegant Lady Millicent Castle-Vaughn (Frances Barber) begs his assistance in recovering a batch of imprudent love letters written in her youth which could put the kibosh on her upcoming marriage. Unable to intimidate the blackmailer, the smoothly contemptuous Lavington (Terence Harvey), Poirot, aided by the well-intentioned Captain Arthur Hastings (Hugh Fraser), resorts to nighttime thievery, which only leads to the proud detective’s arrest and confinement. Granted a quick release by frequent collaborator Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson), Poirot doesn’t waste an instant in resolving the irksome predicament.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): In their efforts to escape Poirot, Hastings and Japp, the two culprits run into a natural history museum and hide beneath a dust cover which protects a large stuffed bear. But there’s something about the criminal pair that attracts the loudly purring calico cat, who joins them under the sheet and proceeds to wind his way around their ankles. The friendly cat’s activities alert Hastings, who uncovers the crooks, who are then captured in a matter of moments.

Final Mewsings: We hope the museum cat received a reward commensurate with the deed.

Many thanks to Teresa Peschel for also letting us know about the cat in this episode.

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