Lovejoy (TV Series) The Firefly Cage (1986) User Reviews

The Firefly Cage

[Prismark10 · 8/10 · 15 July 2018]

In the novels, the character of Lovejoy is apparently a bit more nastier. In Ian La Frenais adaptation of the television show it turns him into the Antiques Rogue Show, a little more loveable but rakish.

In this cracking opener, Ian McShane is very much born to play the part of Lovejoy as you know the actor himself has lived an interesting life.

Lovejoy is known to the police as he is hauled off to the police station in the middle of an auction. It means he misses the chance to buy a Japanese firefly cage. However the eventual purchaser contacts Lovejoy and it leads to a racket involving stolen antiques that are stashed in a small island and later moved by boat. The thieves have killed an elderly friend of Lovejoy and during his adventure he makes the acquaintance of Lady Felsham who stands bail for Lovejoy.

The episode shows off its rural setting of Norfolk and with Eric as the novice assistant allows Lovejoy to explain the tricks of trade to help the viewer better understand the antiques business.

Lovejoy Begins

[bensonmum2 · 7/10 · 1 October 2019]

Lovejoy gets mixed up with some pretty nasty antique thieves after he's accused of selling stolen goods and an old friend who may know something is murdered.

That's a fairly short plot summary, but as a first episode, the plot comes secondary to establishing a framework for the series and getting a foothold into the world of Lovejoy. Don't misunderstand, the plot in The Firefly Cage is plenty entertaining with stolen antiques, hidden clues, and one of the series' best action set-pieces, it's just that there are far better, more interesting episodes to come.

What we do get in spades in The Firefly Cage is an introduction to all the main characters. It doesn't take long to get a feel for Lovejoy. He loves antiques, money, women, and drink. At heart, he's honest, but he walks a fine line between legal and illegal if thinks he can make a bit of money. And, he's not above taking advantage of someone who deserves it. He wins over the very proper Lady Jane during their first adventure together when she watches how tenderly he holds an old man dying in his arms. The first episode gives us insight into Lovejoy's relationship with rival antique dealer Gimbert. We immediately see how each relishes in the others' misfortune. Then there's Eric and Tinker. It's apparent these two will be responsible for much of the funnier bits to come. Finally, we're introduced to the gorgeous English countryside, Denis King's equally lovely and brilliant music, and the warmth and comfort that comes from watching Lovejoy. These things are just about as important as any character to the show's enjoyment.

In short, The Firefly Cage is a good start to an excellent series.

7/10

Terrific start

[keysam-02610 · 9/10 · 27 April 2024]

The first episode of any series is often slightly awkward, perhaps epecially for comedies. If they're sitcoms, you don't know any of the characters and there's only 20-30 minutes to make an impact.

Lovejoy isn't entirely a comedy and it has a longer running time, so arguably should find it easier to begin, but this is still an impressive first episode.

All the main characters are introduced without it seeming clunky - perhaps the most obvious bit of actual exposition is Tink explaining to Eric what a 'barker' is and that still flows naturally from the situation.

We're also rapidly given a very clear picture of who Lovejoy is - a bit shady, known to the police, but almost universally liked (even Gimbert isn't antagonistic all the time) and respected, plus he's very kind in a lot of ways.

This is comedy-drama, not just comedy, so the criminal plot isn't really detailed (even if it is quite nasty; poor Drummer!) and is fairly readily resolved. Still it brings a bit of action, rather more than in most episodes, if I remember correctly.

All in all a terrific start to a great series.