Lovejoy (TV Series) The March of Time (1986) User Reviews

The softer side of Lovejoy

[keysam-02610 · 8/10 · 5 May 2024]

As another reviewer says, the main interest in this episode comes from seeing Lovejoy's delight at the letters and watch him fall head over heels in love with a woman who lived centuries ago.

Oh, yes, he fancies Sophy but he *loves* the poor heartbroken lady from the Napoleonic era.

It's not the most exciting episode but it is a lovely insight into Lovejoy's psyche. It's highly entertaining too to see hi various friends - and frenemies - trying to stop him spending far too much on the little drawing.

It's just as well Lady Jane turns up as a deus ex machina at the end to pay his bill!

Good stuff.

"We should be back home trying to make a dishonest living."

[bensonmum2 · 6/10 · 5 November 2019]

While working to repair a relatively worthless clock, Lovejoy discovers a set of love letters from the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Lovejoy realizes he may have something of value. When someone steals the clock, Lovejoy's convinced he's onto something and decides to investigate.

The March of Time may not be the best episode, but it's still an enjoyable, worthwhile experience. The plot is nothing to write home about - there's not much danger, there's no murder to solve, and the story of the letters isn't as exciting as something like treasure buried under an abbey. But watching Lovejoy and the sheer pleasure we see on his face as he reads the letters gives as much insight to Lovejoy, the character, as anything we've seen so far. When Lovejoy initially finds the letters, you can see the dollar signs in his eyes. When he meets their rightful owner, the devastatingly (as Lovejoy describes her) beautiful Sophy, we can see something else in his eyes. But in the end, Lovejoy's love for antiques and doing what's right wins out and Lovejoy sacrifices money and his shot with Sophy to see the letters made whole.

6/10

The March of Time

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 4 August 2018]

This was the only episode written by Murray Smith who would go on to create The Paradise Club and he also created Strangers. Both shows featured Don Henderson.

This one shows the devious side to Lovejoy. He puts Eric in trouble when stopped by the police for driving a van without a road tax. Then quickly switches some letters at a regimental museum.

Lovejoy also shows his charming side as he aids a woman in financial trouble as her cork snorting brother is selling valuable bits from the house.

The plot concerns an old clock that Lovejoy acquires which contains some love letters going back to the Napoleonic era. However someone else is after those letters. It is nice to see a softer side to Lovejoy as he gets carried away with the story behind the letters.