The story: One of Gene Hunt’s past romantic conquests, Jackie Queen, arrives from Manchester to seek help from the police. She is now a journalist and thinks she has a scoop relating to abducted children and their connection with a local business-man. She is also pregnant, and Gene thinks it’s his, adding some tension between the two leads. The theme of GH’s forced transfer to Plymouth is picked-up, as does the continuing story-arc of Supermac being a corrupt senior policeman.
A number of references were made to Sam Tyler, including that he had settled down with Annie (his policewoman colleague from Life on Mars).
Most surprising scene 1: Supermac shooting the chief suspect (twice!) as he leaves the station; and then attempting to turn the gun on himself in front of everyone. Gene to the rescue as he tries to grab the gun; the inevitable happens, it goes off during the struggle and Supermac is shot. We learn later, he dies from his injuries.
Most surprising scene 2: Gene Hunt shoots the guard dog point-blank much to the surprise of his colleagues (and no doubt, the viewers – you just don’t see that on TV).
Funniest lines: “Fire up the flip-chart” (Gene Hunt)
Significant line 1: “When are you going to learn that what you do here has consequences…?” (Mystery voice by phone to Alex)
Significant line 2: “Everywhere…” [referring to the line, ‘we are everywhere’ from episode one, spoken by the now murdered copper, Kevin Hales]. (Chief suspect Ralph Jarvis whispering to Alex as he leaves the police-station)
Significant line 3:“Rose…Rose…Operation Rose is coming…” (Supermac as he lies bleeding from his gun-shot wound)
Creepiest/Most confusing line: “I can smell your hair Alex even as I put it [another single red-rose] in your pocket…” (From an unknown caller to Alex Drake via her police radio)
All in all then, a fine episode, and for me probably the best so far. We’re half-way through the series and it seems to have finally hit its stride. If the remaining four episodes play-out like this one, we, the fans, are in for a treat.
It was enjoyable for me on many levels – more of the script was devoted to Alex’s ongoing time-travel dilemma and the increase in references to Life on Mars, in particular, the character Sam Tyler, helped to make it all fit together.
Additionally, with a perfect balance of a gritty police story and increased scripting devoted to Alex’s time-travel situation, it just felt right.
And, just to keep the suspense going, when we all must have thought the series was becoming a bit formulaic, the writers managed to wrong-foot us by killing-off a main character part-way through the series. Many viewers must have hoped Supermac would be there for the remaining four episodes.
I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!
I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!
Comments