'Taggart' is overall not quite one of the classic detective/mystery dramas/series (have been a big fan of many of them for much of my life, and always get excited when something new comes along). Like to love a vast majority of the episodes from the Taggart (particularly so, more consistent, and Jardine periods while not being as enthused with the Burke era. Especially when the episodes became too short and rushed and when the cases became bland and tired.
Signalling the end of the Jardine era and Jardine's final appearance, "Death Trap" for me is one of the best episodes of that period. Not perfect or one of the all-time best episodes of 'Taggart', with one big drawback that stopped me from liking it even more, but it is very good, excellent at its best, and one of the most tense, gritty and dramatic episodes of the show. A good representation of what made 'Taggart' a great show in its prime and what it's all about.
"Death Trap's" big drawback is Burke. Although it is his introductory appearance, my first impression of Burke is a negative one. Even for a strict boss like character, he is so abrasive and obnoxious and it doesn't really gel with the episode. Alex Norton never fully looks comfortable in the role and tends to overact and shout his lines.
Also didn't like how there was no explanation for Dr Stephen Andrews' departure or any kind of reference to him, almost like he didn't exist which is criminal considering he was a bright spot in every episode and scene he appeared in. He deserved to be acknowledged and he and his actor Robert Robertson deserved a send off of some kind, with them adding so much to the show.
However, the story is a very compelling one and never gets obvious or over-complicated. There is a lot of tension, especially towards the end, while a lot of emotion is gotten out of the episode. The intense and tragic ending is very devastating and it is hard to not be shocked by it. The team dynamic is always natural and Jardine and Jackie's chemistry works really well and is, and always has been, one of the Jardine-period's best assets to me. The balance of case and personal life is balanced without one over-shadowing the other.
Once again, "Death Trap" looks great visually. have always loved the gritty, like-a-character-of-its-own Scottish setting, the moody colour palette that adds to the grit and the slick photography. The music fits well and doesn't intrude or feel dull, while the theme song is not one to forget. As to be expected, the episode is solidly directed. Norton aside, the acting is very good. Brilliant in the case of James MacPherson, who gives it everything he's got and it is a performance that induces a real lump in the throat, rooting for Jardine was very easy even when insubordinate.
In summation, very good episode and at its best excellent. Would have liked it even more, and really wanted to because its best components were so good, if Burke didn't irk me so much. Personal opinion though. 8/10
Signalling the end of the Jardine era and Jardine's final appearance, "Death Trap" for me is one of the best episodes of that period. Not perfect or one of the all-time best episodes of 'Taggart', with one big drawback that stopped me from liking it even more, but it is very good, excellent at its best, and one of the most tense, gritty and dramatic episodes of the show. A good representation of what made 'Taggart' a great show in its prime and what it's all about.
"Death Trap's" big drawback is Burke. Although it is his introductory appearance, my first impression of Burke is a negative one. Even for a strict boss like character, he is so abrasive and obnoxious and it doesn't really gel with the episode. Alex Norton never fully looks comfortable in the role and tends to overact and shout his lines.
Also didn't like how there was no explanation for Dr Stephen Andrews' departure or any kind of reference to him, almost like he didn't exist which is criminal considering he was a bright spot in every episode and scene he appeared in. He deserved to be acknowledged and he and his actor Robert Robertson deserved a send off of some kind, with them adding so much to the show.
However, the story is a very compelling one and never gets obvious or over-complicated. There is a lot of tension, especially towards the end, while a lot of emotion is gotten out of the episode. The intense and tragic ending is very devastating and it is hard to not be shocked by it. The team dynamic is always natural and Jardine and Jackie's chemistry works really well and is, and always has been, one of the Jardine-period's best assets to me. The balance of case and personal life is balanced without one over-shadowing the other.
Once again, "Death Trap" looks great visually. have always loved the gritty, like-a-character-of-its-own Scottish setting, the moody colour palette that adds to the grit and the slick photography. The music fits well and doesn't intrude or feel dull, while the theme song is not one to forget. As to be expected, the episode is solidly directed. Norton aside, the acting is very good. Brilliant in the case of James MacPherson, who gives it everything he's got and it is a performance that induces a real lump in the throat, rooting for Jardine was very easy even when insubordinate.
In summation, very good episode and at its best excellent. Would have liked it even more, and really wanted to because its best components were so good, if Burke didn't irk me so much. Personal opinion though. 8/10
