Slumped on the sofa in this Bank Holiday malaise, I happen upon an old episode of Sharpe. Much to my amusement, there were an array of what became familiar faces years later. First, it starred Alexis Denisof wielding an impressive English accent (two years before BtVS)  playing a cad who ran off with Sharpe's wife, the swine.  Then, Hugh Fraser did a good turn as Wellington although his more famous role as Hastings meant that I kept expecting David Suchet as Poirot to turn up to sneer at all his strategies. But best of all, Philip Glenister, DCI Gene Hunt himself, played a local Socialist rebel rouser. This led to lots of scenes in which he basically challenged Sean Bean (Sharpe) to macho staring contests in very close proximity. Boys! You're both winners.   Episode itself is disappointing and best avoided. I always much preferred Hornblower anyway even at the best of times.