jacobkilby

This episode has such a lot going for it... The storyline is brilliant with the idea of illegally imported animals, who are easily the stars of the show, although this might be because there isn't anything else like it. There is also a secondary case involving a school teacher which is rather interesting. Overall, the two plots compliment each other well and there is hardly a dull moment. There are a few jokes as with most things involving David Jason and DC Presley is a good character who ought to be used more often than just this episode. The reason why it didn't get 10 and instead 9 is because I felt Frost was a bit too racist towards Asia - I appreciate this skepticism exists but it was mentioned too often in the script although with a character like Frost it is quite believable. Well worth watching - you are very unlikely to be disappointed.

Whilst many would agree that the best ones have John Nettles in them, this one is a reasonable episode - lots of suspects and lots of action - including an attempted murder which is quite unusual for the series. The cast of older characters makes it feel like older episodes, but that isn't to say that having a lot of young people in this series is a bad thing. The Sykes mini story about going to a kennel is a nice touch. The plot overall is getting towards a good episode, but have fun if you are trying to guess the killer - you won't get it! Contrary to what others think, I think Nelson is a reasonable character and I like it how Barnaby gets him to do some of the snooping. The new pathologist is the only hole in the episode, who gets way too much of an airing here. Dr Bullard was easily the best and least patronizing, but that is picking a tiny hole in what was a very good end to the current series. Roll on Series 19!

Overall, there is more suspense and tension created than in the first one; additionally there are also quite a few spoof Bond film scenes. The plot moves away from 'British' things which the first one relied one plot wise. The casting is imaginative with Rosamund Pike and Dominic West; and Mark Ivanir provides a shortish but interesting character. This film has clearly been directed better, and the score for the film is pleasant as well. Tucker is not on the same level as Baugh but it was probably for the better to move the series on. The kitchen scene at the end of the credits is hilarious and 'In the hall of the Mountain King' is now forever associated with this in my mind! A good sequel, but lacking in places.