The Net Starts Closing Around Robert in 'COBRA' Episode 5
As COBRA continues, the net seems to be closing around the Sutherlands. This episode opens with Rachel calmly lying through her teeth to the police; as she tells Robert after, it’s family first, possibly the only sentiment they have in common with People’s Justice leader Scott Minett.
Worse, the Sutherlands’ minion Peter Mott has been arrested, and his computer seized. He, too, is questioned by the police, who tell him that Ellie, in her statement, mentioned feeling pressured; by whom, and why? Peter won’t clarify, even when the police read excerpts from a diary of events on his computer. He insists he and Rachel were discussing press strategies and not legal matters.
News from the north is grim. The northward blockade organized by the lorry drivers’ union, led by Harry Rowntree, and People’s Justice, has created massive shortages of blood and other medical supplies; there’s panic buying and fuel and food shortages. But Robert is determined to go ahead with the talks, choosing Chequers, about forty miles northwest of the center of London, as the only viable location. The psychological impact of the site, the country residence for Britain’s Prime Ministers, notably Churchill, for almost a century, is significant for the meeting. As always, Archie is in full sarcasm mode, scoffing when Robert announces they will travel by train and car to avoid the blockade.
