Lovejoy “To Sleep No More” #1.6 (1986) (TV)

“Copyist! They’re only a forger when they’re caught.”  22 October 2019

When a local forger (I mean copyist) dies, his widow seeks Lovejoy’s assistance in retrieving a stolen silver snuff box.  The box is a worthless copy, so why would anyone want to steal it? Lovejoy discovers the box may be the key to valuable cache of antiques.  

If someone were to ask me for an episode that sums up what I love about Lovejoy, I might pick To Sleep No More.  The mystery is good and, as a viewer, we’re allowed to play along. If you’re paying attention, it’s not too difficult to figure out the solution, but it’s the journey that matters.  The episode takes its time to tell the story - there’s no rush here. We’re treated to pub scenes, English countryside scenes, and posh dinner party scenes. Throw in some comedy, a bit of history, and a secret treasure vault, and To Sleep No More has it all.  We also get to see many of the different aspects of the Lovejoy character, from the rascally conniver who’s taken advantage of an unsuspecting (but not undeserving) buyer to the benevolent do-gooder disguised as a priest in his efforts to help a widow. I don’t think I’ve written much about Ian McShane’s acting, but he’s capable of playing the many facets of Lovejoy with equal aplomb.  He’s really good in To Sleep No More.  

There are still a bunch of episodes that I need to rewatch, but I can’t imagine To Sleep No More won’t make my “Best of” list when I’m finished.  

8/10