Lovejoy “The Sting” #1.3 (1986) (TV)

“I need you, Lovejoy. Since my wife died, I need someone to hate.” 15 October 2019

Lovejoy agrees to help a woman retrieve a couple of small antique statues. But when Lovejoy’s nemesis, Gimbert, gets his hands on the figures, out of spite, he’s not about to turn them over.  Lovejoy concocts a con to get the statues from Gimbert.

The Sting is a perfect example of why I love Lovejoy.  First, there’s the unharmonious relationship between Gimbert and Lovejoy.  They feed off making the other miserable. When Gimbert says, “I need, you Lovejoy.  Since my wife died, I need someone to hate”, he means it. Second, Malcolm Tierney is so good at playing the vindictive Charlie Gimbert that it’s hard not to cheer for Lovejoy even when he’s doing things that skirt the law (or at least ethics).  It’s always a joy to watch Tierney’s face when Lovejoy gets the better of him. It’s a nice piece of underappreciated acting. Third, The Sting features one of those interesting cons that are always a pleasure to watch unfold. As a viewer, I’m usually lost when it comes to what Lovejoy is up to.  Fortunately, by the end of the episode, it all comes clear and we see just how brilliant the scheme really was. And fourth, all of the regular characters get a chance to shine and play a part in the plan. Tinker, Eric, and Lady Jane each have a role if they are to successfully put one over on Gimbert.  Really fun stuff.

I think I wrote a long time ago that, to me, Lovejoy was “comfortable” television.  And there’s no better example of that than The Sting. Grab a snack and get comfy on the couch - that’s the best way to enjoy Lovejoy.

8/10