Lovejoy “The Axeman Cometh” #1.2 (1986) (TV)

The Axeman vs The Taxman, 2 October 2019

Lovejoy uses some underhanded tactics to get hold of a valuable Welsh dresser.  But what he discovers in one of the struck drawers is worth much more than he could have ever originally imagined.  Good thing, because he’s got the taxman breathing down his neck. If that weren’t bad enough, Lovejoy’s got a bigger problem when the original owner of the Welsh dresser is let out of prison and, armed with an ax, comes looking for his belongings. 

Overall, I find The Axeman Cometh a good, but not spectacular episode.  The auction bits are fun, Lovejoy’s dealings with the tax agent are entertaining enough, and the final showdown with the titular Axeman is a real hoot, but it’s not enough to make this an outstanding episode.  The problem is that I’ve never cared for the scenes involving either the Jewish gold merchant or the French antique dealer. And, unfortunately for me, Lovejoy spends about half the episode with these two characters.  The actors are fine, I just find the characters unappealing. One character I did find appealing and enjoy, however, was Miss Taylor (Zienia Merton) - the taxman (or woman). She and Ian McShane seemed to have some nice chemistry.  It’s too bad she doesn’t come back. I would have loved to see her as a reoccurring character, constantly tracking down Lovejoy, trying to collect his next payment. I’m sure it would have been fun.

6/10