I transferred something off a little different last night: does anyone remember a very limited (6-episode) series produced by John Hawkesworth (Upstairs, Downstairs) and starring Sam Waterston called Q.E.D.? This was an adventure series following the exploits of Quentin E. Deverill, a brilliant American scientist and inventor who, in 1912, had moved into an English country house. He purchases the taxicab of a streetwise Cockney named Phipps, who becomes his butler/valet/all-purpose dogsbody, hires a pretty secretary named Jenny Martin (played by the luminious Caroline Langrishe), and spends much time trying to avoid American international wireless reporter Charles Andrews (A.C. Weary), who has his eye on Jenny and a scoop about one of Deverill's inventions, not always in that order. The plots usually pitted Deverill and his team as well as one of Deverill's prescient inventions (wireless remotes, nerve gas, etc.) against bad guys who want to use the devices for bad ends. Deverill's semi-regular nemesis was the oily Dr. Stefan Kilkiss, played with his usual delightful nastiness by Julian Glover.

Although I loved Waterston in this show, especially with his beard, which I thought made him look particularly attractive, the main draw on this series was the long-suffering Phipps, played by the inimitable British character actor George Innes. Poor Phipps could be counted on to do all the dirty work, like digging holes and pedalling a stationary bicycle to supply the professor with electrical power, besides doing his manservant chores. He was brilliant with motor engines and had several other skills which often came in handy on their adventures. And although he was often put-upon by Deverill, he was quite proud of his elevated station in life, having gone from hack driver to trusted assistant. While the entire show was fun, it was Innes who was the one to watch. And the 1912 sets were wonderful; no one can beat the British doing these period pieces

Of the two eps I have, "Infernal Device" is about an English nobleman who is mixed up with revolutionaries (mainly to piss off his imperious father) and who helps get Jenny kidnapped so that Deverill will do his comrade's bidding (thereupon earning him the eternal enimity of Charlie). Ian Ogilvy is the guest star. The other ep, "4.10 to Zurich," guest stars Paul Freeman (Belloq from Raiders of the Lost Ark) as a good guy, a fellow scientist who thinks Deverill has sold out to the enemy. Poor Langrishe—once again Jenny is the victim of a kidnapping attempt (although Phipps foils this one); although she was exceedingly spunky, Jenny seemed to exist to be kidnapped, scream, or cry. She did it beautifully.

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. . . . . noted and logged by Linda at 11:35:00 AM

Comments:

I remember QED very fondly. Whimsically googling it came across your blog entry. Some of my very favourite TV shows were limited runs and disappeared. Sigh. All the best.

# posted by  LotStreetWiz : 3:52:00 PM

 

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