Friday, August 2, 2019

It Takes a Thief "Turnabout" #1.12 (1968) (TV)

Ida Lupino, 2 August 2019
Noah wants Al to break into a laboratory facility to steal a new type of lens.  Before the mission can get started, however, Al breaks a leg. With Al talking in his ear, it’s up to Noah to play the role of the thief. 
It’s not that Turnabout is horrible, but it’s nowhere near as good as any of the other episodes I’ve watched.  There are a couple of problems here, but the main one is the writing. Noah’s conversations with Soviet scientist Dr Schneider are painful.  Watching and listening to Noah lay out his cringy pick-up lines is difficult. It just doesn’t work. A second big issue I have with Turnabout is the lack of any suspense in the episode.  The theft is far too easy. I like the episodes that require a more intricate plan. Overall, none of it is very good. 
I usually love watching Ida Lupino in most everything I’ve ever seen her in.  But here, I think she’s miscast. The role of the innocent and easily flattered scientist doesn’t fit Lupino very well.  And like I previously wrote, she’s given some horrible lines to work with. It’s embarrassing. 
4/10

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