The "Lance et Compte" series was very popular between 1986 and 1989. It even filled out a hole when the NHL went on strike in 1994.
However, Rejean Tremblay and Fabienne Larouche, the authors of the series, wanted to treat the fans to the further stories of Pierre Lambert, Marc Gagnon and all the others who were on the Quebec National hockey team with a series of made-for-TV movies...
Results for most of these movies: disappointing. And should have remained this way.
This one, "Le Retour du Chat" (Return of the Cat) is centered after Pierre Lambert's (Carl Marotte) return to hockey after a couple of years of retirement. Does that sound similar to Guy LaFleur's NHL return in the mid-80s with the New York Rangers ?
You bet it does: After seeing his no.13 jersey retired after many years with the Quebec National, Pierre Lambert lives a too quiet life. In the meanwhile, tragedy strucks his young son Guy and he's sent to hospital. To fight his sorrow, Lambert goes for boxing training and notices that he's still got some shape left despite the many injuries he suffered. A journalist encourages him to come back into the game. But the Quebec National is no more interested in him... Who will pick him up ? How about the Montreal Canadiens who are looking for a seasoned veteran and a born leader ?
The story's OK, but not extraordinary and very conventional. Rather stick it to the mini-series, as well as the "Nouvelle Generation" series, far more better, which was broadcasted in 2002...
