The Protectors (TV Series) Goodbye George (1973) User Reviews

The talented Mr Pond

[mickcsavage · 7/10 · 29 September 2022]

With a plot that seems to have Patricia Highsmith's Ripley very much in mind, Nyree is tasked by a worried father to find out what, if anything, has happened to his son, who is an artist (though by the evidence of the work we eventually see in his - admittedly wonderful - studio, not a very good one).

Turns out that Caspar, the son, is played by the man who turned down The Stones, Paul Jones (born Paul Pond), here with an early 70s barnet (hairdo) that's almost a character in itself. As is Venice, of course, here seen in its 'Don't Look Now' guise.

If that wasn't enough, we also have Geraldine Moffat, (last seen disappearing into the steel-grey waters of the River Tyne - a far cry from Venice - locked in the boot of her car in 'Get Carter') as a charity coordinator.

Can't help thinking that her unhappy demise in the Michael Caine film somehow presaged the careers of her two sons, infants at this time, who went on to create the Grand Theft Auto empire.

Funny old world, innit?

Goodbye George

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 7 December 2023]

Another Harry Rule lite episode.

So Caroline is very much on her own here. She has been hired by American tycoon Cedric Parton to find his son Caspar.

He has been living in Venice as an artist and seems to have got very friendly with a man called George Milworth. Casper's letters to his father do not ring that true. He has also made withdrawals from his bank account all in favour of George.

Money left to Casper by his mother. It was in the bank and left untouched until a few months ago. It looks like Casper is in trouble, maybe he is being blackmailed.

Contessa Caroline di Contini goes to Venice and tangles with a private investigator. She finds out just what sort of trouble Casper got into.

Musician Paul Jones plays Casper as a 70s rock star. The story does owe a debt to Patricia Highsmith.

The ending seems to rely on a lot of luck for Caroline. She certainly looks to be in a lot of trouble without her usual team.

Ciao Contessa!

[raeames · 8/10 · 9 January 2020]

Don't be fooled by the opening stock shots of New York: all the real action in this episode takes place in Venice. Very pretty it looks too! Which brings me on to Nyree Dawn Porter as Caroline, who shows here that she, of our usual trio, can also carry an episode on her own, albeit with a good supporting cast.

There are some nice touches of humour and even a couple of plot twists, which is quite an achievement in such a compact format. As with many of the episodes, it will probably leave you wishing it lasted longer, which is always a good indication.