"Dead Man Walking" was one of the episodes part of the period when first getting into 'Taggart'. Even when first getting into the show though, it didn't strike me as a great or even a particularly good episode. Just found it on the whole too obvious, lacking in tension and indicative that 'Taggart' was running out of ideas. Decided recently though to rewatch "Dead Man Walking" though, as there have been some episodes of the show that fared better on rewatch.
Sadly, "Dead Man Walking" isn't one of them. It definitely has its good things and moments, but my feelings on first watch are not much different here. There are some great episodes from the Burke period, such as "Compensation" and "A Death Foretold", but this never did much for me on the whole. Do feel bad saying this and also feel bad about having disagreeing with the previous reviewer about it being a return to form for 'Taggart', while agreeing that this was not one of the show's best periods at this point.
Will start with the good things. "Dead Man Walking" looks good, with the usual grit and moodiness in the photography. The scenery is both picturesque and unforgiving. The theme tune is still memorable, makes one nostalgic for the 80s while fitting the gritty tone of the show very well. The acting from the regulars is very good, especially from, as usual, Blythe Duff. Really like the chemistry between the team, their banter and the way they work.
The story has moments. The opening scene is brutal and there are a few interesting and unexpected twists, especially regarding the intended target and the motive. The supporting cast on the whole are quite good, the Callaghan brothers' ruthlessness being very convincing on the whole.
However, there is a feel of 'Taggart' running out of ideas, with a story that has a few too many familiar ideas (which made it feel predictable), the responsible is far too obvious too early (due to the suspects being far too few) and a pace that could have done with more tautness. The script has some nice banter, but could have been tighter.
It was during this period where the music started going downhill and where it started to not just no longer fit but also show its age. It would have worked in a 'Taggart' episode 10 years before but in this episode it was like 10 plus years too late. Although the climax is dramatic, it is also predictable, lacking in tension and in a couple of cases overacted. While the supporting acting is not bad at all, the little girl's acting in the climax looked very under-rehearsed.
Overall, not a terrible episode but it is with regret saying that it has never done much for me. Sorry. 5/10
Sadly, "Dead Man Walking" isn't one of them. It definitely has its good things and moments, but my feelings on first watch are not much different here. There are some great episodes from the Burke period, such as "Compensation" and "A Death Foretold", but this never did much for me on the whole. Do feel bad saying this and also feel bad about having disagreeing with the previous reviewer about it being a return to form for 'Taggart', while agreeing that this was not one of the show's best periods at this point.
Will start with the good things. "Dead Man Walking" looks good, with the usual grit and moodiness in the photography. The scenery is both picturesque and unforgiving. The theme tune is still memorable, makes one nostalgic for the 80s while fitting the gritty tone of the show very well. The acting from the regulars is very good, especially from, as usual, Blythe Duff. Really like the chemistry between the team, their banter and the way they work.
The story has moments. The opening scene is brutal and there are a few interesting and unexpected twists, especially regarding the intended target and the motive. The supporting cast on the whole are quite good, the Callaghan brothers' ruthlessness being very convincing on the whole.
However, there is a feel of 'Taggart' running out of ideas, with a story that has a few too many familiar ideas (which made it feel predictable), the responsible is far too obvious too early (due to the suspects being far too few) and a pace that could have done with more tautness. The script has some nice banter, but could have been tighter.
It was during this period where the music started going downhill and where it started to not just no longer fit but also show its age. It would have worked in a 'Taggart' episode 10 years before but in this episode it was like 10 plus years too late. Although the climax is dramatic, it is also predictable, lacking in tension and in a couple of cases overacted. While the supporting acting is not bad at all, the little girl's acting in the climax looked very under-rehearsed.
Overall, not a terrible episode but it is with regret saying that it has never done much for me. Sorry. 5/10