Ep 5. Rumpole and the Learned Friends

Rumpole of the Bailey is a legal drama television series that premiered in 1978. The show revolves around the professional and personal life of barrister Horace Rumpole, who frequently defends clients accused of crimes. In season 1 episode 5, titled "Rumpole and the Learned Friends," Rumpole finds himself defending a group of barristers who have been accused of cheating on an exam.

The episode begins with Rumpole receiving a brief from one of his colleagues at chambers, who has been asked to defend a group of barristers who were caught cheating on their bar exams. The barristers in question are all members of a prestigious club called "The Learned Friends," which is made up of successful lawyers and judges. Rumpole initially declines the brief, as he doesn't want to be associated with cheaters, but ultimately agrees to take the case.

As Rumpole begins to investigate the allegations, he discovers that the barristers may have been set up by a rival club, which is jealous of The Learned Friends' success. To make matters worse, one of the barristers is arrested for perjury, and Rumpole must defend him in court as well.

Throughout the episode, Rumpole butts heads with both the prosecution and the presiding judge, who appears to have a personal vendetta against him. Rumpole's wife, Hilda, also gets involved in the case, offering her own brand of support and advice as Rumpole navigates the tricky world of legal ethics and professional responsibility.

Amidst all the legal drama, the episode also explores some of the interpersonal dynamics between the barristers and their families. Rumpole gets to know some of the other members of The Learned Friends, as well as their spouses and children. Through these interactions, the show touches on themes of class, privilege, and the pressure to succeed in a highly competitive field.

By the end of the episode, Rumpole manages to clear the barristers' names and uncovers the truth behind the cheating scandal. However, he also comes to some hard realizations about his own values and place in the legal system. As always, the show balances these weighty themes with plenty of dry humor and witty banter, making for a compelling and entertaining hour of television.

Overall, "Rumpole and the Learned Friends" is a standout episode of Rumpole of the Bailey. It showcases the show's strengths as a legal drama while also delving into complex characters and relationships. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a well-written, well-acted drama, this episode is definitely worth watching.