Would see new detective/mystery dramas series without hesitation whenever they aired, whether re-runs or brand new ones. Having been such a huge fan since 13 after seeing the Joan Hickson adaptation of 'A Murder is Announced', the Poirot adaptation of 'Sad Cypress', getting into 'Inspector Morse' and immediately becoming a fan of the series and of John Thaw and reading 'And Then there Were None'.
Mystery/detective dramas and series that has seen and still does see a wide range of styles and tones. Complex ones like 'Inspector Morse' and anything Agatha Christie. Gritty ones like 'A Touch of Frost' or the wonderful Scandinavian series like 'Wallander' and 'The Killing', though 'A Touch of Frost' achieves a great balance of that and comedy. Light-hearted ones like 'Murder She Wrote' and prime 'Midsomer Murders'. 'Taggart' is a big example of the gritty detective/mystery dramas, especially the Mark McManus years and the earlier James MacPherson episodes, the era with Burke in change not so much.
"Dead Reckoning" for me is not quite one of the best 'Taggart' episodes or quite one of the standout episodes of the James MacPherson/Mike Jardine period. A very good episode with little inherently wrong with it.
Will admit to not being surprised by the identity of the killer and suspected them early on. More suspects would have helped.
From beginning to end, the story in "Dead Reckoning" is absorbing. There are enough twists and turns to keep one guessing, yet not too much that it becomes convoluted or over-crowded. The climax is tensely staged.
The crime-solving and detective work entertains and intrigues, and the chemistry within the team lifts things even more. Have always loved the bond between Jardine and Jackie, really loved the prominent role Jackie plays here and Stuart is settling well and provides levity that isn't out of place. The script has grit and provokes though and while there have been more shocking, not for the faint hearted murder methods before and since the murders are well handled.
Visually, the episode is shot with style and atmosphere with lovely picturesque scenery that doesn't juxtapose too much with the gritty tone. The music fits well and the theme song is one you hear once and it never leaves the head. The acting is never less than solid, with great work from James MacPherson and particularly Blythe Duff with more to do, the contributions from Iain Anders and Robert Robertson is scene stealing and Steven Brand and James Faulkner are particularly solid in support.
Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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