Ep 19. Anyone Can Play

The Persuaders season 1 episode 19 is named "Anyone Can Play." The episode begins with Lord Sinclair (Roger Moore) and Danny Wilde (Tony Curtis) traveling to the French Riviera on a mission to investigate a wealthy gambler named Ariston Bullock (Derek Francis). Their goal is to uncover any wrongdoing by Bullock and take him down.

As they arrive, they quickly discover that Bullock is a difficult man to pin down. He's a notorious gambler and is constantly surrounded by a group of wealthy socialites who are also frequenters of his high-stakes casino. Sinclair and Wilde decide that the only way they'll be able to get close enough to Bullock to uncover any wrongdoing is to become gamblers themselves.

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to the duo's thwarted attempts to get close to Bullock. Each time they get close, they're shut down by Bullock's bodyguards or the socialites who are eager to gain his favor. As the stakes grow higher and the risks become greater, Sinclair and Wilde begin to wonder if they're in over their heads.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is treated to scenes of high-stakes gambling and the glamorous world of the French Riviera. The sets and costumes are absolutely stunning and perfectly capture the decadence of the era. Even the simplest scenes, like a night out on the town or a drive along the coast, are beautifully shot and evoke a sense of nostalgia for an era long gone.

Despite their initial difficulties in getting close to Bullock, Sinclair and Wilde maintain their charming personalities and quick wit. The two have a great rapport with one another and their banter is a highlight of the episode. It's clear that the two are good friends and trust each other implicitly, which is essential for the dangerous mission they're on.

As the episode reaches its conclusion, Sinclair and Wilde are finally able to get close enough to Bullock to uncover his wrongdoing. The climactic scene is a tense showdown in which the duo must use all their wits to bring down the wealthy gambler and his nefarious associates.

Overall, "Anyone Can Play" is a thrilling episode that perfectly captures the glamour and intrigue of the world of high-stakes gambling. The chemistry between Moore and Curtis is fantastic, and the episode is beautifully shot and expertly paced. Fans of classic spy thrillers will definitely enjoy this episode of The Persuaders.