Review of Room Without a View

When Dr John Wadkin attacks his wife one would have thought it was a job for the police rather than Steed and Mrs Peel; but he was one of a number of scientists who had gone missing over the last year or two. They can't get much out of him although it would appear he was held captive in China and he repeats the number 621; before they can learn more Wadkin is kidnapped. Steed goes to the Chessman Hotel in London with another scientist and he too disappears; what is more he was in room 621! It turns out the other missing scientists stayed there as well. Steed explains his presence to the hotel management by claiming to be famous food writer Mr Gourmet and he gets Mrs Peel in by arranging for her to become a receptionist. It isn't long before she learns the secret of Room 621; it is just a pity she ends up locked in what appears to be a Chinese prison cell. Steed will have to uncover the secret of the Chessman Hotel if he is to save her.

This episode started well; the missing scientists provided a nice mystery and the way they were caught and later held captive was rather good. On the other hand the villain was a bit too eccentric; especially how he had others sample fine food for him because his doctor had put him on an extremely strict diet and how he'd put so many chess boards all over the hotel. His motivation wasn't the best either but at least it wasn't too wacky. There were fun moments of course; I particularly liked Mrs Peel's reaction to the suggestion she should go undercover as a receptionist. Overall I found this to be a weaker episode but still not without its charms.