The Protectors – “Sugar and Spice”

by Mark Murton

Original Air Date: January 1, 1974

Directed by: Charles Crichton

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

Synopsis: A millionaire hires the Protectors to keep his young daughter, Vicky (Debbie Russ), safe after she is targeted by rivals who want to block a company take-over. As an added complication, they must do so without raising her suspicions.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): The team take Vicky to an isolated house in the country and, suspecting they may have been tracked, set about making it as safe as possible (a gunshot through the window confirms their suspicions!) In the morning Harry (Robert Vaughan) comes into the kitchen to find Paul (Tony Anholt) unlocking the back door while informing him, “It’s just the milkman.” Paul opens the door to reveal a bottle of milk and a tabby and white cat on the doorstep!

The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - gray tabby and white cat on front step with milk bottle

Paul picks up the milk as the cat runs inside.

The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - gray tabby and white cat entering home
The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - gray tabby and white cat entering home after Paul picks up milk bottle animated gif

As they discuss their best plan of action, the Contessa (Nyree Dawn Porter) pours out a saucer of milk for the cat who soon starts lapping away.

The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - Contessa Nyree Dawn Porter pouring milk into dish for gray tabby and white cat
The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - Contessa Nyree Dawn Porter petting gray tabby and white cat licking milk from dish

A short time later the Countessa and Paul spot the cat lying unconscious next to the empty saucer and deduce the milk has been drugged.

The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - Contessa Nyree Dawn Porter and Paul Tony Anholt looking at unconscious gray tabby and white cat

Later, as night falls, the trio are on high alert as they expect an attack and, surprised by a strange noise, Paul spins around, gun in hand, only to see the cat making its way down the stairs.

The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - gray tabby and white cat walking down stairs

The next morning, with the danger averted, Vicky comes down from bed to find Harry using a walking stick to hit golf balls towards a jug on the floor as the cat watches.

The Protectors - Sugar and Spice - gray tabby and white cat looking at jug and golf balls

Final Mewsings: Every milk delivery should come with a free cat!

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