Lee and Amanda drive to Bromfield Hall as planned.. whooo Lee’s driving a jaguar.. nice! What a gorgeously situated home..
No sooner have Lee and Amanda arrived than their photo is taken 
– by that pesky photographer! (I thought the whole point was for Lee and Amanda to appear to be more than boss and secretary?)..
Lee chases the photographer, and tackles him..[He doesn’t go easy on the old chap! 
] Ohh dear.. a bit more stereotyping.. the photographer has a cockney accent.. of course he does! Lee 
grabs his camera off him, and takes out the film.
He wrestles Lee for his camera.. Ok Lee is an agent.. but umm can’t he get his private face photographed?
What do you guys think?
I find this curious!
Lee is really angry! He doesn’t want his face in the papers – but Amanda has her face in the papers, along with a scandalous accusation and he thinks Amanda (the bimbette) should lighten up?
Lee yells at him, and gives him a shove! though, the photographer isn’t very intimidated by Lee IMO and tells him he’ll be ‘real sorry mate!’
I don’t think he’ll be too sorry- how embarrassing having your photo taken in that jacket, with ugh that white turtleneck! eek!! Good thing Lee intercepted it! I’m sorry if you like this look but I think it makes Lee look.. chunky around the middle! eek!! but then.. the red one at the end is worse! LOL!
In the garden, Gwyneth remarks she has been looking forward to having them at Bromfield Hall and she is immediately put in her place..
Lady Witherspoon: Nonsense! you’ve been as nervous as a kitten. I however have been beside me self with anticipation! [Amanda and Lee smile quietly what do you say in response to this?!] Ralph! Introduce me to your friend!
Gwyneth: Our friend Margery.
Lady Witherspoon: How can that be Gwyneth, you’ve never seen her before in your life!
Lord B: Mrs King, an old and very trying friend of the family. 
Lady Witherspoon.
[ Ever the gentleman he passes his old trying friend a drink.. isn’t he a sweetie!]
I am not fond of this Lady W – who is suppose to be a bit of ‘old english busybody funniness’ but I don’t find it funny.. IMHO she treated Gwyneth rudely in front of her guests! Though, it is great she is friendly to Amanda and says she is prettier than her picture in the paper! 
Lord B passes Amanda a drink also. Ohh he is too lovely! Watch and learn Lee!
This is funny! Lady annoyingspoon: Now go away Ralph! I want to hear all about your affair with this young lady!
Amanda immediately snaps her head towards Lee and blurts out fast: Lee do something! ( ROFL!!! ) so he’s Lee again? Not Mr Stetson? Lee doesn’t do anything.. he’s kind of confused about what to say I think..
Amanda ummms and ahhhs not sure what to say either.. but thank goodness, Lord B intervenes (Bless him!!): there is no affair, as you perfectly know, 
the whole affair was contrived. Probably to discredit me.
Whooo Lord B explains he received a telephone call from the Hall telling him Gwyneth would meet him at the park to watch the 
Morris Dancers – but she didn’t know anything about the call. ( Ahhh ok.. so Geoffrey got Lord B to go to the park, and kept Gwyneth ‘busy’ = set up!!! ) Lord B thinks it is all to discredit him.. understandable given he doesn’t know what Lee is working on!
It is sweet to watch Amanda socially stepping out of her comfort zone here.. she is very good socially.. she just needs to gain some confidence to develop her real talent for people!
Lord B is such a good host.. getting everyone a drink and passing around the sandwiches.. Bless him!
Gwyneth helps Amanda and Lee escape Lady Annoyingspoon by directing them to another part of the garden. Amanda reassures Gwyneth nothing happened with her husband but Gwyneth didn’t suspect him for a moment (too boring to cheat on her? maybe! or.. maybe she knows he is too good a man!)
Gwyneth says: her marriage ‘is built on mutual trust’ ( in the very next breath she calls out to her lover!! ugh!!!) .. Geoffrey! I’d like you to meet Mrs King and Mr Stetson. (what a foolish woman Gwyneth is..)
Lee and Amanda meet the Bromfield’s ‘very dear friend’ Geoffrey Douglas-Wood, and Errol Pridemore… Errol knows Lee is with Anacord 
Electronics, apparently they’ve already briefly met..
Lee explains to them all he needs to go back to London, as something has come up.
Amanda is not happy!!! Can’t say I blame her. that didn’t take him long! Lee says it’s just for a few hours..
Hmm on hearing of Lee’s imminent departure, Errol looks a bit panicked don’t you think? I can’t pretend I don’t know who the baddies are!! Hey! Call me crazy.. but look at the teacup Pridemore is holding.. it looks exactly the same as the tea/crockery set they had at the HMS bounty!!! LOL!!! [I wonder if the props department recycled the cucumber sandwiches also! 😉 ]
Lee begins to walk to his car, and Amanda leaves the others to accompany Lee. We see the photographer in the garden, he’s skulking around..and makes his way up towards the hall.
Amanda mentions to Lee she doesn’t know how to talk to these people, especially Lady Witherspoon (can’t blame you Amanda! ) Lee just tells her she’ll be fine… I don’t think he really cares! – it’s sink or swim Amanda! Then, Errol Pridemore calls out to Lee and catches up with them. They all stop for a chat..
Pridemore finds out Amanda is with the agency, and reveals himself to be MI5 – Just what was the point of this conversation? 
Why the urgency to catch up with them before Lee left and chit chat? I think it is Pridemore wanting to find out if Amanda is agency. He is also stalling Lee from leaving- while his accomplice goes to the house to try and kill Lee before he leaves. 
We are being set up to think it is the photographer.. with the scary baddie music and everything.. but well we all know the bad guy is Geoffrey!
Except for the ugly white turtleneck strangling him, Lee is looking goooooorgeous here with the sun shining in his hair.. ahem.. err where was I??…
Lee: Ranson was an MI5 agent that I was working with. They found him on the Thames embankment murdered.
Amanda ( eek!): You didn’t tell me that anyone had been murdered.
Lee: You didn’t ask. [Oh purlease!! Leeeeeee! that is ridiculous! rofl!!! yes.. why didn’t she ask that hmm??!!] Amanda knows not to argue.. that is ridiculous!
Errol Pridemore tells them if they need his help he’ll be there for the whole weekend.. and he can’t think why- Gwyneth despises him.. hmm why tell them that? Maybe he was hoping Lee would take him into his confidence over the weekend if he didn’t die!
Pridemore: Weeeell Mrs King, I’m surprised to see you here after that nasty business with the newspapers.
Amanda: you saw it too?
[Lee licks his lips here! ]
Lee: everybody saw it Amanda.
[ugh! Not Helping Lee!!! There he goes laughing at Amanda again about it! grrr.. Lee!! ] Amanda smiles.. though it is clear she doesn’t see the funny side of it.. Poor Amanda!
Pridemore leaves them, telling Amanda: oh and don’t worry about that business with the newspapers, that sort of thing has a way of blowing over.
Amanda: ohh hooooo
(to Lee) doesn’t bother me!!!! [Uhhhh huuuhhhh!!]
Lee: yeah.. come on..
LOL.. no one is buying that Amanda! tee heee.. Poor Amanda! Love the look on her face as they head off towards the car..
Another glance of the photographer entering the Hall..
What a gorgeous view of Bromfield Hall.. I love this perspective!! Is this the back of the home we are seeing here? because that staircase is curved?? and the one they arrived at ( and that’s coming up) is straight?.. and I don’t see any Urns! It looks gorgeous though!
We see Lee and Amanda walking around to the front of the Hall..but I shall finish up here for now.. before their err ‘ridiculous’ conversation
As always, I’d love to hear from you if you are reading.. say hi! share any thoughts you have.. likes dislikes.. deep or totally shallow.. it’s all good here! LOL! Thanks for reading!! Back with more soon!
"Just walk with me.." 
Is anyone else watching The Diplomat on Netflix? (I don’t know whether it is playing on Netflix outside of the United States…). The main character, played by Keri Russell, is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and as a stand-in for the U.S. Ambassador’s residence (Winfield House), the show was filmed at Wrotham Park – a.k.a. Bromfield Hall! Both inside and out, including the library and other rooms seen in this wonderful episode of SMK (but not the Armoury or the Hedge Maze, unfortunately, because those are at Hatfield House).
A huge proportion of The Diplomat is filmed in and around the Wrotham Park house and grounds, and we get to see it from all different angles, in hi-def. It is fabulous. Every time the house comes on the screen, I find myself squealing, “Bromfield Hall!” and my husband looks at me in amusement/pity.
LikeLike
Regarding this stunning house — Hart To Hart also uses it in a Season 5 episode that was filmed in the UK, Harts & Hounds. They use the stairwell, the outside of the stable yard, and that stunning library and possibly the ballroom but H2H had it as a dining room so I can’t tell for sure. And the outside stairs are the same. So if you’re looking for more photos you might want to check that!
LikeLike
The turtleneck doesn’t bother me nearly as much as the horribly dated check or maybe plaid suit coat! Ugh. That screams 70s to me. IMHO very few men can carry off a turtleneck and BB does it pretty darn well. Seems like wardrobe dressed him in layers quite a bit over the years, and there are definitely episodes when I think that made him look, ah, chunky around the middle, but this one wasn’t one of them to my way of thinking.
LikeLike
Aha! I knew I recognized James Warwick (Errol) from somewhere – he was the male lead in a British TV series, “Partners in Crime.” I see he also guest starred on Babylon 5 a few years after this. Small world … err, galaxy.
I think Lee’s over-the-top response to the photographer has several sources: first, it’s probably not a great idea for a spy’s face to appear on the front page of a newspaper; secondly, he knows it will be upsetting to Amanda; and finally, I think he finally “gets” how intrusive and creepy it is to have some stranger taking your photo. I don’t know how celebrities stand it – it would drive me crazy to be constantly under the microscope and put up for public scrutiny and comment like that. (Case in point: Pierce Brosnan and his wife were recently snapped swimming together in Hawaii, launching an avalanche of vicious comments about Keely Shaye Smith’s weight. People seem to think “celebrities” don’t have feelings. It makes me furious!)
LikeLike
Just to clarify the cockney accent discussion. It stems from the East End of London, generally used by working class (as the east end was typically poorer part of the city). It’s not an accent found anywhere else in the country so whilst it is usually used by working class it’s not indicative of intellect etc just that you were born in a region within “Bow Bells”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockney
It also has rhyming slang for example “apples and pears” means stairs. “Whistle and flute” means suit.
http://www.cockneyrhymingslang.co.uk/
Anyway I shall get back to the episode 🙂
Urgh the turtleneck. NOT a good look IMO. Makes Lee look a bit thick around the middle (which he isn’t) but with the double breasted suit……sorry it isn’t working for me!
Could they make Gwyn look even more frumpy?! Apparently yes they can….
I confess I like Lady Witherspoon. I get the feeling she doesn’t think much of Gwyn and that LB married below his station (impeccable bloodline or not ;)).
I think Lee was angry about the photographer because he didn’t want to inflame the scandal and also he needed to keep a low profile. Which is daft considering LB was suggesting they be seen as more than employer and secretary lol
I wonder where Bromfield Hall was filmed……it’s a beautiful house 🙂
LikeLike
Sorry but I think men in turtlenecks are sexy for some reason 🙂 So when I saw Lee I said, “Oh, Lee in a turtleneck!” And my husband replied, ” Watch it now :)”
We enjoyed watching this episode.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Normally, I love Lee in a turtleneck, (or out of one), but this one kind of makes him look chunky. YMMV. 🙂 Now put the man in glasses, and I would be a huge drool puddle on the floor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Everyone! I have missed being able to comment.. I hate moving house! but.. all done now!! Hooray!!
I agree with Cindy.. I usually love a turtleneck.. but I agree, they made Lee look chunky especially the white one.. but darn it.. he still looks gorgeous!!
Hi Melissa! yes balancing your spy life and family is tough 😉 tee heee! So wonderful to hear from you – glad to hear you are enjoying reading the posts and everyone’s comments – Stop by when you can!! 🙂 Tee heee sounds like your husband knows what you like LOL.. did he wear a turtleneck the next day? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Add me to the “turtlenecks make me hot” club! I think Lee looks great here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I too interpreted Lee’s reaction towards the photographer as being protective of Amanda. (Of course I did, because I am protective of Lee 🙂 )
As far as the turtleneck, if they are going to still Lee in a turtleneck, I prefer that they add a gun holster. That draws my attention away from the neck every time!
LikeLike
Nope – this turtleneck has got to go and I would be very happy to help. I’m very giving of my time for worthwhile causes that way. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think Lee’s reaction is two-fold. One is protection of his cover, the other is Amanda.
LikeLike
Hello again! Thx for your posts! They’re fun to read! Question For ya! I’m from Arizona in the US, can you explain about the Cockney accent? =} Not sure what you meant…and you have great eyes for detail! lol…way to spot the teacups! HaHaz,
LikeLike
Have you ever seen My Fair Lady? That accent Audrey Hepburn puts on is cockney, it’s like low, rural speak. The American equivalent would be probably a combination of strong Southern drawl, lots of slang, and misuse of grammer. Either way, it’s a cliche that indicates the character is uneducated and/or dimwitted.
I personally have read Lee’s hostility toward the photographer as indirect protectiveness of Amanda. He knows the situation is embarrassing and upsetting to Amanda, and in typical season 2 Lee fashion, he’s downplaying it to her, but actually more concerned than he’s letting on. Hence, random outbursts of rage on her behalf.
The turtleneck…I’m torn. I’m not a great fan of them on most guys, but the way that item hugs that broad chest of his…I think I can forgive him pretty easily.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi RubyRay and Paula!
Ah RubyRay, I see Paula has answered your question beautifully..[Thanks Paula!!] SMK stereotyping at work! To me a cockney stereotype is scrappy, streetsmart, and without ethics.. Which I am sure is unfair to anyone with a cockney accent.. it’s just a literary cliche I think.. Thanks for clarifying though, sometimes I don’t know what I mean either! 😉 Oh and thanks for the lovely encouragment – you made my night! 🙂 I love that tea set.. that’s why I noticed it.. it’s very pretty!
Paula enjoy the turtleneck and don’t pay any attention to my grumblings! And feel free to share your turtleneck enjoyment here – I am sure there are others that agree with you!! He did look adorable in the great outdoors.. with the sun shining.. swooooonn!!!! Hmm hugs his broad chest? hmmm.. that does sound like something to like! For me, it reminds me of a neckbrace! lol!
You know, we don’t tend to call them turtlenecks in Australia.. this got an aussie friend of mine in trouble once- tee hee – we call them Skivvies.. And apparently that’s what you call underwear – at least in Canada… in the US also? tee hee.. although we all speak english – there can be little differences which can cause issues.. so if I ever say anything that doesn’t read right or isn’t reading as all in good fun.. feel free to clarify – I bet as an aussie I sometimes have a curious turn of phrase! 🙂 [I was going to write Lee looks gorgeous in the great outdoors – even in his skivvy.. but.. well..I stopped myself 😉 ]
Paula, thanks for sharing your take on Lee’s anger! I posted something about Lee’s anger at the photographer at the end of post 5… I wondered about that..I wondered if what was really going on was Lee’s misdirected concern for Amanda – but I wasn’t convinced of it.. We can disagree here.. but I thought it was easier to interpret his anger as being because he had to go to Bromfield Hall – when he has this case to work on.. and he couldn’t get out of it.. I’ve been searching for signs that Lee cares at all. but so far I am not coming up with much! To avoid boring people and repeating myself -check out the end of post 5, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts![I am interested in hearing anyone else’s too!! 🙂 ] I might need your help to see what I’m missing here!
byeeeee
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you do happen to come up with a screencap somewhere of Lee in the great outdoors in his (American/Canadian-esque) skivvy, be sure to share. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thx for getting back to me! I do love the turtleneck! Hehe! He looks very handsome in it. In the US or at least in the Southwest-Arizona (where the Grand Canyon is-surprisingly when visiting Europe and going to school in Spain, lots of people thought it was in Colorado…), skivies are long underwear or maybe even just underwear. I think the same as Canada?
And I love My Fair Lady so now I get it. It seems very comparable to what people refer to as “trailer trash” or “white trash.” I hate these terms but I can’t think of another comparison. I apologize for using them! There is a perception that these people are slow and not so bright! So not true!
Now nicer topics, views actually of Lee in his white skivie…I love it! And the not so perfect hair blowing in the wind adds to the deliciousness of it! Lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person