The Curious Tale of Mr Spearfish

Is it possible that after a man has signed a pack with the devil he's given superhuman powers?

It's a good episode, but I'd have to be honest and say it's one of my least favourite stories, I can't even explain why, maybe it's the story, or the tone, or overly bizarre story. The serious side isn't a favourite, the comic side however is, it's funny.

The Adam Klaus sequence is hilarious, the whole setup is a scream, the accusations, the Jury, Griff Rhys Jones as the Solicitor, and of course the wonderful Maxine Peake as the victim, very funny.

6/10.

This episode neatly highlights the weaknesses of the series and, by omission, the strengths.

The story is beyond far-fetched; the resolution is based on believing the far fetchedness rather than an illumination of some infuriatingly simple logical twist, as in the best episodes; there is little investigation by either Jonathan or Maddy; and very little of the ongoing romantic tension thread save a desperately unfunny gag about a bra.

The Adam sub plot has its moments but palls after a while without the theatre setting.

What we are left with is the appeal of the main characters and a very minimal supply of witty biplay. It is only the quality of Davies and Quentin that makes this one tolerable.