Really stolid potboiler, scene chewing sessions abound. The ONLY thing that set with apart from other 70's dross in the final episodes was the interaction between Nolte and Bill Smith's Falconetti, one of the great TV villains ever.

The gripping sequel to the award-winning television mini-series 'Rich Man, Poor Man' stands the test of time, and also is a stand alone representation of a well-produced piece of drama. Peter Strauss returns in fine form as Senator Rudy Jordache (the original 'Rich Man' of the title) as the story continues to chronicle his life, career and family. The story proceeds to 1968 and is transfixed to this period of time as opposed to relaying the action over a period of years as per the mini- series. The introduction of Rudy's nephew, Wesley and stepson, Billy adds a new entertaining dimension to the elements over 22 episodes. The series features some very good acting performances in support which includes Susan Blakely, Van Johnson, Ray Milland, Peter Haskell, Susan Sullivan, John Anderson and Kay Lenz. However, it is the portrayal of the psychotic 'Falconetti' by William Smith that illuminates the on- screen chills in his ongoing vendetta with anything connected with the name 'Jordache'. The young guns of the cast also shine with notable turns from Gregg Henry, James Carroll-Jordan, Penny Peyser and Kimberly Beck. The series received two Emmy-Award nominations and upon viewing the cliff-hanging courtroom scenes in Washington it's not difficult to understand why, as Rudy attempts to bring to justice the corrupt billionaire, Charles Estep; the dramatics are wonderfully executed. 'Rich Man, Poor Man - Book II' was never going to hit the heights of the classic status of the preceding mini-series, but it has achieved popular worldwide recognition as a welcome, and most enjoyable, sequel of a great story.

I saw the DVD at my local library, and recalling how I liked the show when I saw it years ago, I checked it out. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing again the first part of the series. The characters were well played, believable and interesting, as was the plot. However, the second part was a disappointment. The writing seemed stilted, focusing on prurient and unlikely sexual encounters to the detriment of continuation of the story. It seemed that the supposedly upright and principled male characters lost all self control when it came to dealing with women. They had to have 'it'. I don't watch the Soaps, but I think this segment was pretty much written with that venue in mind. Too bad.

"Rich Man, Poor Man; Book II" picks up where "Book I" left off and soon fast forwards five years as we follow Rudy Jordache's messy political career, his relationships with his nephew and stepson, with three women who impact him greatly and his inevitable showdown with the slimy Falconetti.After a somewhat slow buildup, "Book II" kicks into high gear about 10 episodes in and never lets up. Rudy's battle in the political arena is very well handled, suspenseful and really dramatic. Always lurking in the background is Falconetti, who's vendetta against Rudy proves fateful in the end.As said; "Book II" starts out fairly slowly, introducing us to Wes (Gregg Henry), Tom Jordache's son, and Billy (James Carroll Jordan), Rudy's stepson. Wes is definitely his father's son and ultimately hunts down Falconetti to even the score. Billy, like his father in "Book I", proves to be an opportunist as he relentlessly pursues a career in the music industry and betrays Rudy's trust to further himself.But the main interest here is Rudy; his political career as he tries to expose a corrupt and venomous businessman and bring him down. The main side story is Falconetti's vendetta against Rudy and as the end draws near; that story takes center stage. And it all culminates in one unforgettable ending.It was nearly impossible to replicate the near-perfect success of "Book I" but this follow-up comes damn close. Wes and Billy really grow on you, especially Billy as he becomes more and more decent as the season progresses. Both Henry and Jordan are likable actors and they pull off their roles respectively. Other solid supporting actors include Susan Sullivan, Kay Lenz, John Anderson and especially Peter Haskell as Charles Estep, the corrupt businessman Rudy wages war against.But top honors go to Peter Strauss as Rudy and William Smith as Falconetti. Just over 30 years old, Strauss effortlessly plays middle aged Rudy very convincingly and injects fire and passion into this very subdued character whose life is never very pleasurable for too long. William Smith is just perfect as Falconetti, who here gets much more screen time and you get a good glimpse into his twisted mind.Highly recommended.