The Onedin Line ~ S8E83 A Royal Return

Описание: The Onedin Line Series 8 Final 1980 (E83) A Royal Return
Written by Barry Thomas

The final series opens with Elizabeth returning from Constantinople greeted by Dunwoody and helped with her baggage by a stranger. Mrs Gibson tells James that the builder called. We learn that Letty died 3 months ago and that it was her last wish that the house be well maintained. James speaks to Samuel on the phone; he is obviously uncomfortable with the new technology and speaks very loudly. He has had another argument with Charlotte. Elizabeth has borrowed to her limits to fund her new steamer and will not seek help from Daniel. She asks Samuel to lend her £15000. She asks Mrs Gibson how James has been since Letty's death and we learn that she caught diphtheria from one of the children in her orphanage. Charlotte says that the divorce case is soon to go to court and that Samuel will get custody of the children. James walks in the garden with the stranger that Elizabeth met at the station, a Mr Borovec. James enquires after the other passenger and Borovec tells him that he will know him when he boards. James agrees a fee of £3000 for the two passengers. Samuel has put himself up for President of the Chamber of Commerce and is worried about the effect the divorce may have on this. To cut costs James proposes an amalgamation of the Fraser and Onedin lines to Elizabeth and asks her to think about it. Mrs Gibson calls on the phone and Elizabeth answers 'Liverpool 5'. She tells James that a visitor has called for him at his house. Sir Gerald from the Foreign Office tells James that Prince Alexander of Bulgaria has been forced to abdicate by the Tsar of Russia who wants to appoint a puppet to do his bidding and that the mysterious passenger will be Prince Alexander of Battenburg. On board the Soren Larsson, Elizabeth tells James that she saw Borovec in the Russian Embassy in Constantinople talking to the Tsar and fears that the Prince's life may be in danger. Two of the seamen discuss being bribed £50 each and £50 when 'the job' is done. The Prince narrowly escapes being killed by a block and tackle thrown by a man in the rigging and dives in after him after he falls, rescuing him. Later In remorse the seaman confesses to Baines. At home, the Liverpool Echo carries the headline 'Prominent Liverpool businessman in divorce case'. Charlotte does not fight the case offering no defence and they are divorced. James arrives in Bulgaria and the party row ashore to a riverbank. Several horsemen arrive taking Tom hostage. Borovec disguises himself as Prince Alexander and is shot and killed. Tom is freed and the attackers leave presuming the Prince to be dead. He bids James goodbye and sets off inland alone.