Ep 1. The Limping Assassin

The Royal Bodyguard is a British comedy TV show that aired in 2011. The show follows the daily life of Captain Guy Hubble (David Jason), a retired soldier who is appointed as the personal bodyguard to His Royal Highness Prince Philip (Timothy Bentinck). The first episode of season 1, called The Limping Assassin, introduces us to Captain Hubble and his new role as the prince's bodyguard.

The episode starts with Captain Hubble retired from the army and living a quiet life in the countryside. He receives a letter offering him a job as the personal bodyguard to Prince Philip. Hubble is excited about the prospect of serving his country once again and accepts the job. He arrives at Buckingham Palace where he meets Prince Philip, who is both condescending and rude towards him. Hubble tries his best to please Prince Philip, but his efforts are constantly rebuffed.

As Hubble is trying to familiarize himself with the palace and his duties, a potential assassin enters the picture. A man with a limp walks into St James's Palace claiming to have important papers for Prince Philip. Hubble, who doesn't know his way around the palace yet, mistakenly directs the man to the prince's private chambers. As it turns out, the limp was faked, and the man is actually an assassin sent to kill the prince.

Meanwhile, Hubble is having a hard time adjusting to the modern technology at the palace. He struggles to use Prince Philip's computer and accidentally triggers the sprinkler system in the prince's office. All of his incompetence sets the palace's staff on edge, and they start questioning the decision to hire him as the prince's bodyguard.

As the assassin makes his way through the palace, Hubble becomes aware of the danger to the prince and attempts to stop the assassin. However, in his attempt to apprehend the assassin, Hubble gets himself locked in a storeroom. With no means of escape, the Captain is left to wonder if he will be able to save the prince.

The Limping Assassin sets up the premise for the show and introduces us to the main characters. The episode is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, but it also has its fair share of drama and suspense. David Jason delivers an outstanding performance, making us empathize with his character's self-doubt and confusion. The supporting cast is equally enjoyable, with Timothy Bentinck's portrayal of Prince Philip as the perfect foil for Jason's Hubble.

In summary, The Limping Assassin is a well-crafted, entertaining episode. It sets the tone for the show and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode. With its mix of comedy, suspense, and drama, The Royal Bodyguard is a must-watch for fans of British television.