Endangered Species

The brilliant David Jason returns as D.I. Frost 14 months after Near Death Experience. Angry at the failure to successfully prosecute an old enemy of Frost's, a disturbing phone call leads to an unexpected find...

This is where the Endangered Species comes in, leading Jack on an intriguing journey where beautiful, innocent creatures are tortured, killed and stuffed simply for profit. It does make for some interesting viewing and certainly throws some light into this worldwide problem.

As usual, David Jason throws himself brilliantly into the role of Frost, and there is great chemistry between him and Blake Ritson as D.S. Robert 'Elvis' Presley, while we also see the return of a familiar face.

A welcome return to form, with the usual gaffes, and we have another hit with viewers.

I have always loved this series for its beautiful characterizations (and characters) but, as it ages along with Sir David Jason, I find the dialogues are less believable and Frost himself is becoming rather tiresome and querulous in his old age; the character is less endearing. To be blunt, he is being played as a bit of a clown and there is a heavy-handedness in presenting him that makes me cringe. For example the interplay between Frost and Mullett was once exquisitely amusing - you could see the point of view of each man as they clashed - but now Frost treats Mullett with such open contempt and rudeness that it no longer works for me. The series seems to have bowed to the current style of packing in more action at the expense of ambiance and character development and I find myself turning to the newer Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck) series now on American TV (of all places) to conjure back a similar style to the old Frost episodes.

A less-than-perfect episode of Frost. The secondary investigation, involving the dead stranger found in the house, was over the moment it was discovered he died of natural causes but Frost and several other police officers spend their time on a wild goose chase. While it's interesting enough it's quite pointless.

The other main flaw is the incredibly implausible romantoc sub-plot involving Frost and the gym instructor, 30 or so years his junior. The relationship was implausible when it was briefly brought up in the last episode and it's even more far-fetched now.

This said, the remainder of the episode is excellent. The murder is intriguing and the animal smuggling involved very sad and emotional.

This episode was undermined by awkward comedy relief by the writers, and David Jason looked uncharacteristically awkward delivering some lines. Generally, I rate Jason's drama better than his comedy. I also found his offsider "Presley" less than engaging compared with his other younger proteges. And this is a generation gap too far this time for Frost's love interest. Don't know how old Julie is supposed to be -- but she looks younger than the 30 years old of the actress. David Jason was 65 and looking older. Don't know how this can possibly be justified as being realistic. The two of them walking together look like a fit young thing leading her grandad along.

In this episode, which focuses on people transporting exotic animals for profit, Inspector Frost becomes and advocate for animal rights. Once again, he is politically incorrect in his day to day interactions. He uses words like "Chinaman" and uses racial stereotypes. I'm sure the writers weren't stupid enough to not notice this. Stereotyping is done constantly in prime time television, here in the 21st century. It's primarily related to people of color, most specifically blacks. Frost is not a role model; he never has been. He fixates on whatever case he is on and often steps on toes. That's why Mullett is so frequently at odds with him. What he is is an interesting character, warts and all. He can be cruel and he can be kind. There is a secondary case involving a beautiful young teacher who has an affair with a student. It isn't all that interesting. Frost understands but there is the law. If every detective on TV were squeaky clean, it would be incredibly dull.