The Murder Room - Part 2

I haven't read any of the books, but Dalgliesh the show is great. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw new episodes appear recently and watched them the instant they came out. Having said that, The Murder Room closed the season/series on uneven ground IMHO.

Part 2 starts with a body found in a way similar to another historical case from the murder room, this time in a trunk they said is very rarely opened (and was only opened this time for plot reasons). During the PM however there were flowers discovered in the victim's bra; flowers rare enough they could only come from one place on the estate. This is strange because there's no logical reason for them to be there, and could only be put there purposefully. What's worse is we weren't given a reason why the killer felt the need to do that, since the flowers and crime scene were obviously two different places.

Then there's the killer's motivation for the first murder: what was it? I watched the scene twice because I thought I missed it and there wasn't what I would call a full reveal. We were told more than once the 99 Club (or whatever) wasn't illegal or a source of profit, so why the doctor, because the killer didn't like him? Seems like important parts were either left on the editor's floor or something was lost converting from the book.

Season two ends on a somber tone with Dalgliesh watching his colleagues at the Yard hard at work, but that emotional tone doesn't really match what's happening on screen. Adam made an ultimatum to his bosses to fully prosecute the killer or he would resign, having the option to go on tour in America for his poetry. Not only did they agree to this, but they also gave him a promotion, and in turn his sergeant, so why the sad music and reflective stares? He may not be pursuing his writing career as much as he could be, but he gets to keep doing the other job he loves, and justice is being done in this case... and it looks like season 3 has already been approved. Everybody wins here, but the tone makes you think otherwise. Cheers!

Update: thank you for the reminder MsMisto. Would've been nice if the killer referred to the lease issue in any way; such as the actions were to protect jobs or property rights... By all appearances the killer was unhappy and unliked by almost everyone, so I still question the motivation because it was neither selfless nor selfish. It felt more like the actions of a hired killer, which isn't the case at all. As you said, the killer was not a real factor in the script.

The first of the two parts was stellar building up the scenerio. Then, part two still excellent viewing is using political correctness more which has nothing to do with the story. DCI Adam Dalgliesh's (Bertie Carvel) constantly being concerned with DS Kate Miskin's (Carlyss Peer) inner feelings is getting old and takes away from the viewing experience. Dalgliesh shows no concern about his male subordinates well being.

"The Murder Room" still was decent quality. Story being laid out, and clues becoming known unraveling the mystery were top-flight. The villain reveal and her motives seemed like integral components from the original version had to be missing. The lack of a thoroughly satisfying motive for the villain was very un- PD James like.

Overal, the first two seasons have been enjoyable. Looking forward to season 3.

I just finished binge watching Series 1 and 2. Way back starting in the 1970's I read a lot by crime writers such as Patricia Highsmith, Ruth Rendell and P D James. I loved atmospheric descriptions of complex characters in beautiful settings doing strange things, and P D James could do this best of all. She took us right down the rabbit hole of human existence and emotion, revealing motives that were often irrational.

To find that a series can be made in this modern age that takes me back to those days and the environment that P D James was trying to create, makes me want more. The characters are convincing, and so is everything else. I am sure P D James would have been thrilled. Many liberties were taken with the stories and hostorical details. For example, there are too many Morris Minors. This however adds a feeling of quaintness to the series and an appreciation of the difficulties faced by film-makers.

Further. The series does not pander to the desires of the viewers, a scarce thing in the modern world. We want something more to happen between Dalgliesh and Miskin, and we have to be satisfied with her promotion. They are toying with us, and like DS Miskin, we accept that this is better.

Roll on Season 3.

Dalgliesh now has to investigate the young body in the chest, and makes some shocking revelations about The Murder Room.

I thoroughly enjoyed this second episode, quite exciting, engaging and very well paced, that ending was quite something, they handled it wonderfully well.

It's good to see Dalgliesh playing a more active role in this second episode, he was pretty much a bystander in the first part. Finally we see some grit from Carvel's character.

One thing you notice about the book, is that The Murder Room itself is a character in its own right, and an integral part of the story, that element came through here, I enjoyed the whole revelation about The 98 Club.

Very, very well acted once again, Sorcha Cusack was excellent, Sylvestra Le Touzel as always wonderful.

Loved it, and I was so glad to see that a third series has been commissioned, rightly so, there are lots more great stories to adapt.

9/10.