Ep 13. The Show Must Go On

The fast-paced con artist series Hustle draws to a close in season one with a gripping episode called "The Show Must Go On." This final installment focuses on the usual gang of grifters as they pull off one last con to save the life of their former mentor, Albert Stroller (Robert Vaughn). Albert has been taken hostage by a ruthless criminal called Len Marks (Mark Benton), who demands a massive ransom from the hustlers in exchange for the release of their elderly friend.

As always, the hustlers are more than up to the challenge. They come up with a plan to use Marks's own greed against him, by featuring him as the villain in a mock-up theatrical performance. The "play" involves the various members of the gang acting out their roles as part of the scam, while Marks watches from the sidelines, thinking he has the upper hand.

In reality, however, the tables are gradually turning against him. The con artists use their cunning skills to manipulate Marks into believing that the play is actually a genuine performance, being watched by an influential American producer who might be able to turn it into a Broadway production. This is all part of the deception, of course, with the aim of encouraging Marks to invest more money into the "show," eventually leading him to hand over the ransom for Albert's release.

As the schemes and manipulations pile up, the tension builds to an exciting crescendo. The hustlers perform their roles perfectly, using their acting skills as well as their conning expertise to keep Marks on the hook. Meanwhile, they must also juggle the various other complications that arise during the course of the episode, including a rival con artist who is trying to muscle in on their territory, and a number of unexpected plot twists that threaten to derail their plans.

Through it all, the core cast of characters shines. Danny Blue (Marc Warren) is as suave and charismatic as ever, while Stacie Monroe (Jaime Murray) brings her usual blend of smart wit and sultry charm to the proceedings. Meanwhile, Ash Morgan (Robert Glenister) is the brains behind the operation, constantly one step ahead of anyone who tries to mess with the hustlers. The episode also features the return of Eddie (Rob Jarvis), the eccentric prop master who has worked with the gang in previous episodes and who provides some much-needed comic relief in the midst of all the tension.

Overall, "The Show Must Go On" is a satisfying conclusion to the first season of Hustle. It brings together all the elements that make the show so entertaining, from the slick cons and clever character interactions to the stylish cinematography and jazzy soundtrack. Fans of the series will be left wanting more, eager to see what the next season has in store for the crew of master thieves.