Citizen Smith (TV Series) The Hostage (1977) User Reviews

To kidnap an M.P.

[ShadeGrenade · 10/10 · 4 May 2010]

Wolfie stands in a local by-election, but manages to poll a derisory six votes. Incensed, he decides to kidnap the new M.P. - David West - as he leaves Tooting Conservative Club following a celebratory party. They take him to a secret hideout near the seaside. Wolfie intends forcing the Government to make changes ( silly boy. There was a Labour Government in power in 1977. I'm sure Jim Callaghan would not have been too bothered by a member of the Opposition going missing ). They then make an awful discovery - they have got the wrong man. It is local protection racketeer Harry Fenning ( Stephen Grief ) they have instead...

My friend 'Victor Meldrew' describes this as the best 'Citizen Smith' episode, and I'm inclined to agree. Peter Vaughan is especially good in the opening moments, as 'Charlie' revels in the news of Wolfie's drubbing. With a real general election only two days away, my viewing of this episode is particularly timely, especially as one of the main characters is a Tory named 'David'.

Funniest moment - Wolfie, Ken and Tucker are amused when they hear a radio broadcast announcing that Harry Fenning has gone missing. Then they realise they have him, and, terrified, make for the door!

Laugh out loud funny

[kitteninbritches · 10/10 · 8 November 2022]

The plot to kidnap a Conservative MP who has beaten Wolfie in an election has already been outlined by a previous review so I'll merely say this was one of the funniest things I ever saw on TV. During the scene where the inept bunch are using the walkie talkies, I laughed so much that my jaws actually ached. The whole series was funny in my opinion and far better than many so called comedies today. Every character had their place and all meshed together nicely. Whenever I think of Robert Lindsay I don't think of his later performances, I think of the inimitable Wolfie Smith. This series was an absolute classic.

The Hostage

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 4 January 2021]

Although Wolfie is a lovable but selfish loser. This was the first episode to show his ragtag of followers acting in a more sinister light.

At the by-election, the Tory David West sneaks in as the new MP for Tooting North. Wolfie was standing and got a paltry six votes.

When Shirley's dad laughs about it. Wolfie threatens to put his name on the top of the list, come the revolution.

Later Wolfie decides to kidnap the new MP and force the government to change policies and demand a ransom.

Wolfie, Ken and Tucker abduct a man outside the Tooting Conservative Club, only to find out that David West later returned home.

However publican and former protection racketeer Harry Fenning is missing.

At the time the episode was made. There was a Labour government so I doubt they were going to be bothered by the demands made for a Tory MP to be released.

Despite the shenanigans with the walkie talkies, they do kidnap someone although I guessed it was not going to be the MP.

I doubt in reality Harry would had been so generous with his punishment.