Rumpole of the Bailey

The irascible barrister, yearning for retirement, investigates who possessed the gun in the Timson case, navigating legal twists and courtroom tension as he seeks to resolve the mystery before stepping down. The narrative delivers a classic courtroom drama, with Leo McKern appearing in the production.

Rumpole's Last Case is a television programme presented as a single episode. Classified under the courtroom drama genre, the show delivers a compact legal narrative that fits within the broader series framework. Though brief in length, the episode retains the hallmarks of the series, offering viewers a focused glimpse into the world of a seasoned barrister as he confronts one final professional challenge. The central figure of the episode is a crusty, world‑weary barrister who finds himself yearning for the quiet of retirement. Despite his desire to step away from the bar, he becomes drawn into the intricacies of the Timson case, a matter that hinges on identifying who was in possession of a firearm. As the investigation unfolds, the barrister methodically pieces together testimony and evidence, driven both by his lingering sense of duty and the nagging hope of concluding his career on a decisive note. The story unfolds within the formal confines of a courtroom, where legal arguments clash and the truth about the gun’s carrier is gradually exposed. The episode features Leo McKern, whose presence adds a familiar touch to the proceedings. Through its concise structure, the drama captures the tension of a final case, balancing the protagonist’s personal longing for retirement with the professional imperative to resolve the lingering mystery.