The romantic Rumpole

When Rumpole says "Any chance of putting the light out, Hilda?" it hasn't a hint of seduction, and one rather uneasy aspect of this series is the unattractive comedy convention of Spouse-as-Other, which kinda' bothered me in FAWLTY TOWERS, DAD'S ARMY & the old Laurel & Hardys. Rumpole once referred to his marriage as "being called up, just as you would be to National Service" or words to that effect, and described the institution of marriage as "a life sentence with little hope of parole." Occasionally you do see a hint of mutual regard between Mr. & Mrs. R., but I've never seen them touch, and when She calls him "dear" it's usually to keep up appearances for company. Hilda, of course, is a frustrated social climber, and invariably compares others favorably to her husband ("You were never first in anything, were you, Rumpole?")

One of the more affecting episodes dealt with a lady violinist who professed affection for our rumpled hero, and in the throes of infatuation he spruced himself up, went vegan & even bought a new hat(!!!!) Hilda's eventually guesses the reason for this sudden special effort, and by episode's end, knowing he's been had, Rumpole pays Hilda a light compliment (compliments aren't too plentiful in that household.) Another, more broadly comic situation showed a grateful client avidly pursuing Rumpole, announcing for everyone to hear "Do you know you're a very cuddly sort of barrister?" and obviously quite eager to show her gratitude in private. In this case he doesn't want to know. One of the more serious & tragic episodes dealt with a teacher tempted by an underaged girl, and when it's revealed she slept with the teacher only to spite her boyfriend, Rumpole asks (with sad incredulity) "Without love?"

One add'l observation: of Rumpole's colleagues, about the only ones who genuinely like him (and who he respects) are women. Exception: Uncle Tom...and maybe Henry.