Pitter Patter

No wonder other writers all claimed they knew what The Singing Detective was about. This episode is very self referential. The meta aspect of the story was rarer back in the 1980s.

Once again Philip Marlowe's real life and his fictional world bleed through. Reginald (Gerard Horan) who keeps getting pestered by Mr Hall (David Ryall) about the book he is reading, reveals is called The Singing Detective. He then learns that the author of the novel has been in the same ward for weeks.

In the present Marlow is on to his ex wife's scheme of swindling him over his screenplay. She wants Marlow to sign a contract with her lover's company who plans to sell it on as his own work.

In the past. A young Philip Marlow cannot get over that he saw his mother having an affair and seem to have left his dad. His skin condition has manifested for the first time.

As for school, the boy he blames for a dirty deed is the son of the man who is having an affair with his mother.

There is a revealing scene where Marlow and the psychiatrist (Bill Paterson) engage in wordplay. It is well performed by both actors and tells a lot about Marlow's state of mind. Just what is beneath his skin.

Still in hospital, but getting better by the day and stronger Marlow received a visit from his ex wife, she is convinced that she's gotten the better of him, and got him to sign away the rights, but he's one step ahead.

Another high quality episode, we get the events of the present day, as well as a detailed look at Marlow's past, we discover some of the traumas he experienced as a young boy, the huge impact his mother's behaviour had on him, and why some people are demonised in his later years.

Remarkably good, I'm just glad I've spaced this out, every single episode has had me engrossed, we've learned a little more about Marlow and his condition, this explores the beginnings of his psoriasis.

The standout moment has to be the word play between Marlow and Doctor Gibbon, the interplay was outstanding, Gambon and Patterson combined for some truly remarkable scenes. There's also that incredible scene where Marlow's mum explains that their dad isn't coming back.

Another wonderful musical sequence, it's a joyous moment, you always hurt the one you love it the perfect choice for the scene.

8/10.