A Crime of Passion

This is a good episode, not a bad whodunnit. I must say though no real evidence to lead you to the killer. My initial hunch of who was the killer was right, but I had no evidence.

I have noticed a trend with this one though with this series in general. The suspects will lie for absolutely no good reason. A couple specific examples, a date lied about being on scene because she said she was worried about hurting a deal for her sister's store and bad publicity, But the perspective partner had already seen the police come in and question her, So that reason was completely invalid.

Another example, A suspect was caught stealing from the dead man's apartment. Then the suspect conceal that they had stole their watch. Why in the world would you conceal that when you've already even caught stealing? It's a nonsensical reason.

Then one lady who had drugs in her possession, cut them in her house even after the police had come to question her once. Why in the world if the police had been to your house wants to question you would you leave drugs in your house and not hide them offsite bury them even. It's ridiculous That one would do this because it would be foreseeable that the police might come back later with a warrant.

This is common with the series they give you some reason for why the suspect would lie, but it really doesn't hold water. The writers need to do a little better job.

I mostly agree with what is presently the other review for this episode, Hazangel.

It's a competent show, decent plots, plenty of possible motives, and a pretty good cast too. I notice a pleasing lack of superior officers hassling the DI (Max) with routine "the top floor wants a quick result" chitchat.

But the DI does seem to have some chemistry with what is now his estranged girlfriend, the lovely 'Asti' (Astrid). But is is THIS character that caused my title for the review, re 'continuity'. In the previous film, she broke the news that she was having to return to Germany to look after her ailing mother. Oh dear, sadness and gloom, attractive lady friend is out of the picture.

BUT -- in part one of THIS next episode, she's back, hassling Max re the flat they'd shared at one point, and the news that "I'm seeing someone". What happened to her mum then?! Did they get in carers, put her in a home, the errant sister suddenly took an interest, or, did she snuff it? I think we should be told -- did the producers/director forget all about the plot?! Careless!!

Re the murder plot, well, many possibilities, was the victim actually dealing in something more profitable than fruit and veg?! Did his family, who hinted they liked papering over some relationship cracks, come unstuck? Or did his slightly odd new girlfriend flip at being dumped after one date? Feasibly something else that part one didn't mention, of course!

But in general, I also hope there's a further series.

After having a date with Riena Friedman, Jack Felton, who owns a fruit and veg business is killed in a brutal knife attack, Max discovers they Reina's ex from two years ago died, by falling off Chelsea Bridge. Astrid comes clean to Max about her current status.

Series two has been excellent from start to finish, it's a drama of the highest calibre, fitting that it concludes with yet another excellent mystery.

This interested me primarily because it was written by Laura Poliakoff, the daughter of Stephen Poliakoff, one of my personal favourite writers, it's clear she has her father's talent, it's a very well written story, a whodunnit that kept me guessing until the very end.

I really enjoyed the Max and Astrid storyline, it needs some form of conclusion, poor Max has been tortured for long enough. Hopefully we'll see a happy Max soon.

Patrick Walshe McBride and Catherine Russell both really stood out I thought, the acting throughout this show has been top notch.

I'm really looking forward to the third series.

8/10.

Although a bit long I do enjoy this show. Arnold has grown on me and he is a rather likeable guy. I dont see any chemistry between him and Astrid so I hope they remain friends. I like his new partner. They get along very well and make a very good pair.

I also like that the other officers' private lives do not overtake the episodes as well. They mostly focus on the case at hand. That is where I think the British do detective shows very well compared to North America. The characters are believable and not overly attractive (or skinny). This adds to the authenticity in my opinion.

I hope this show gets another season!