Gently Liberated

Another intriguing episode of Gently. Involves a case closed 8 years previously, a case Bacchus helped close. The time since the crime makes investigations difficult, adding to the intrigue.

I've enjoyed this series but this one was disappointing, revealing Gently to be judgemental, not acknowledging how Bacchus was trying to dig into the past case or that he finally brought in the witness who led to the breakthrough. Gently has turned into an intolerant old man, and Bacchus a sad one. Rachel shone, however, both as a police officer and as someone who can show empathy with just a look. The plot itself wasn't bad - but a tad cliche these days so the viewer could predict how it was going to turn out. A disappointing episode.

Once again wearing it's politics awkwardly on it's sleeve. A sophisticated drama would display the pros and cons of pursuing a particular political agenda: here, the female detective is allowed to join up with Womans Lib. as if it is faultless, moral imperative. Her character is remarkably annoying because she is the political Trojan of the writers: in the pursuit of celebrating female endeavour, she never professionally errs.

I thought this was a very, very accomplished, quality episode. The penultimate episode of the show is a brilliant one. A fantastic story, one that gets under the skin, a relevant, up to date story, with a sixties setting.

The softening of the relationship between Gently and Bacchus is well and truly undone here, all previous frustrations and hidden grudges spill over, the pair clash in a superb scene, poor Rachel in the middle.

I can't believe there's only one to go, I've watched these very slowly, and loved them. This is different to previous offerings, it's a very smart looking production, more heavy on the music, and definitely more atmospheric shots.

Really enjoyed Annamaria Marinca here, but it's the regulars that again stand out.

Excellent I thought, 9/10.

This is without doubt one of my all time favourite TV series from start to finish. All the acting is superb. Out of all Martin Shaws various characters that he has played George Gently is definitely my favourite one. Exceptionally sad ending as well which I won't go into here as I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who is just finding the series. If I was to find one small criticism it would be that in the final series, series 8, for some reason the director or producers seem to have decided to turn the volume of the background music up? I found it, well, not exactly in the background? I don't really know why the perfect formula used in the previous 7 series seemed to be altered in the last two episodes? But that's a very minor criticism and doesn't alter my opinion that it is definitely one of the best British drama series ever.