Ep 5. Checkmate (episode 5 of 8)

Nero Wolfe is a television series based on the novels by Rex Stout. The show follows the exploits of private detective Nero Wolfe, played by Maury Chaykin, and his loyal assistant Archie Goodwin, played by Timothy Hutton, as they solve cases in New York City during the 1950s.

In episode 5 of the first season, titled "Checkmate," Wolfe and Goodwin are hired by a wealthy businessman named Benjamin Riker. Riker is concerned that his daughter-in-law, Catherine, is having an affair with a man named Victor Talbot. Talbot is a chess master who works at the same club as Riker's son, James.

Riker wants Wolfe to investigate the alleged affair and find a way to end it, without involving the police. Wolfe agrees to take the case and sets out to gather information about Talbot and his relationship with Catherine.

As Wolfe and Goodwin begin their investigation, they discover that Talbot has a history of affairs with married women. They also learn that Talbot has an interest in a rare and valuable chess set that belongs to Riker.

Wolfe realizes that the chess set may be the key to solving the case, and decides to use it as a bargaining chip to get information from Talbot. He invites Talbot to his home and offers to sell him the chess set, but only if Talbot agrees to end his relationship with Catherine.

Talbot reluctantly agrees to Wolfe's terms and leaves without the chess set. However, when Wolfe and Goodwin return to Riker's home, they discover that the chess set has been stolen.

With the chess set missing, Wolfe sets out to find out who took it. He suspects that Talbot may have been involved, but soon discovers that his assistant, Saul Panzer, has also been investigating the case and may have uncovered new information.

As the investigation continues, Wolfe and Goodwin find themselves drawn into a complex web of lies, deceit, and murder. They must use all of their skills and intelligence to solve the case and bring the guilty party to justice.

Overall, "Checkmate" is a classic Nero Wolfe episode that showcases the talents of Chaykin and Hutton. The episode is full of twists and turns, and keeps viewers guessing until the very end. With its clever plot and engaging characters, "Checkmate" is a must-watch for fans of the series.