Rumpole of the Bailey - "Rumpole and the Alternative Society"

by Ted Davis

Original Air Date: April 10, 1978

Directed by: Herbert Wise

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

Synopsis: Acerbic and aging, beleaguered Wordsworth-spouting barrister Horace Rumpole (Leo McKern) travels from London to the Western Circuit in order to defend free-spirit Kathy (Jane Asher) on a cannabis-related charge, and finds himself disturbingly and uncomfortably aware of his client’s personal attractions.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Det. Sgt. Jack Smedley (Tom Chadbon), in his undercover disguise as Jack the Hippie, greets and picks up a sizable tuxedo cat from the sidewalk.

Rumpole of the Bailey - Rumpole and the Alternative Society - Smedley Tom Chabdon dressed as hippie picking up tuxedo cat

Smedley hands it to a passing stranger, asking whether the man wants a cat, and then departs from the disconcerted passerby, laughingly saying, “Peace and love.”