Supposedly disillusioned by his treatment from the British in the previous episode involving the exploitation of Iranian oil-------an increasingly valuable commodity because of newer engine designs in modern naval vessels------Reilly now fronts for Germany. This plot development presents another significant difference berween the Reilly saga and the films that chronicled the adventures of the somewhat similar James Bond character. Bond was a true blue Anglophile, and swore allegiance only to the British Crown. On the other hand, Reilly is presented as more of a stateless mercenary, interested in his spy projects only for money and related personal material gain.
The interplay between the Zaharov character and Reilly gets interesting in this episode. Although they are professional rivals in a technical sense, one gets the distinct impression that Zaharov has an almost paternal interest in Reilly and his adventures. It is also clear from this episode just how appealing Reilly is to women in general and to married women in particular-----if there was ever any doubt about the subject!
The lavish budget made available to the series's producers for the acquisition of authentic period costumes and sets is again on full display in this episode. Reilly may have been only a lowly spy, but he enjoyed la dolce vita-----there is no question about that. And he seemed to fit in perfectly with that life style.
This episode is another example of the love-hate relationship Reilly exhibited toward Russia that characterized much of the series. A good installment.
The interplay between the Zaharov character and Reilly gets interesting in this episode. Although they are professional rivals in a technical sense, one gets the distinct impression that Zaharov has an almost paternal interest in Reilly and his adventures. It is also clear from this episode just how appealing Reilly is to women in general and to married women in particular-----if there was ever any doubt about the subject!
The lavish budget made available to the series's producers for the acquisition of authentic period costumes and sets is again on full display in this episode. Reilly may have been only a lowly spy, but he enjoyed la dolce vita-----there is no question about that. And he seemed to fit in perfectly with that life style.
This episode is another example of the love-hate relationship Reilly exhibited toward Russia that characterized much of the series. A good installment.
