Very disappointing, overly convoluted (intentionally) and vaguely offensive (probably due to the Nazi subplot), I get that some viewers believe it is a clever, self-deprecating noirish homage but it really is a dud.
The lovely Barbara Babcock, who, given her propensity for playing manipulative and complicated women, would seem perfect as a femme fatale, somehow falls short, as does the directing by actor James Coburn (why do actors always want to become directors?). Byron Morrow's last minute appearance -- as a character mentioned earlier but forgotten about -- speaking for some bizarre reason with an Irish accent -- is just irritating.
The writers and editors evidently hoped for an ironic coda about the pointlessness of trying to solve certain old puzzles and reaping ill-gotten gains while pointing fun at the episode's overly convoluted story-line. They did not succeed. But I still generally love the series.
The lovely Barbara Babcock, who, given her propensity for playing manipulative and complicated women, would seem perfect as a femme fatale, somehow falls short, as does the directing by actor James Coburn (why do actors always want to become directors?). Byron Morrow's last minute appearance -- as a character mentioned earlier but forgotten about -- speaking for some bizarre reason with an Irish accent -- is just irritating.
The writers and editors evidently hoped for an ironic coda about the pointlessness of trying to solve certain old puzzles and reaping ill-gotten gains while pointing fun at the episode's overly convoluted story-line. They did not succeed. But I still generally love the series.