I love this series. It outclasses any other TV mystery show by a wide margin. It is an extremely well done series which utilizes the ensemble cast system, with most of the troop playing in each episode, and everyone is a new character in each, except for the central characters.
However, this is my least favorite episode. Not for the original Rex Stout story, but for A&E's implementation of it. It all comes down to Debra Monk being the absolute worst woman in a man's disguise in cinema history. Her disguise is simply a fake mustache, men's clothing and a men's 50's fedora, and her imitation of a man's voice is laughable.
Still...it is a Nero Wolfe episode, and since everything else except the victim's description of her killer is up to par, it's still better than anything else TV had to offer at the beginning of the millennium....or since.
However the fact that Mr. Wolfe would ever have 200 people rummaging through his plant room, and at his invitation no less, is complete 'flummery'.
So, 7 out of 10 stars. My lowest Nero Wolfe rating ever.
However, this is my least favorite episode. Not for the original Rex Stout story, but for A&E's implementation of it. It all comes down to Debra Monk being the absolute worst woman in a man's disguise in cinema history. Her disguise is simply a fake mustache, men's clothing and a men's 50's fedora, and her imitation of a man's voice is laughable.
Still...it is a Nero Wolfe episode, and since everything else except the victim's description of her killer is up to par, it's still better than anything else TV had to offer at the beginning of the millennium....or since.
However the fact that Mr. Wolfe would ever have 200 people rummaging through his plant room, and at his invitation no less, is complete 'flummery'.
So, 7 out of 10 stars. My lowest Nero Wolfe rating ever.
