raccanic

Some absolutely great parts here - the photography, the field locations, Reykjavik looks beautiful. There are also some weak red-herrings in the plot. Also, some real acting talent is available but Doug Henshall from "Shetland" is completely wasted in a nothing and pointless role. But it's all squandered on a poor and poorly stitched-together narrative that felt rushed to a conclusion. Too many plot lines went nowhere, too many ideas thrown in (misogyny, indigenous and migrant bigotry), character motivations were poorly articulated and the lead actress had a cryptically explained personality and background too say the least.

Really disappointing.

Still well worth watching but a couple of slip ups in the usually impeccably plotting of the puzzle. Why Morse chose to go in one direction with Jakes after the discarding of the hold-all, the ease of racing down the tunnels, Jakes miraculous carrying of a torch on a bright morning (ok possibly from the night before) and Morse's unexplained re-attendance at the tunnel entrance (only to miraculously find the battery cable) all seemed a little too rushed. His polite but curt interaction with Monica the nurse (and his former lover) also lacked the nuance required. Perhaps far too many strands in the plot but too uncharacteristically unexplained.

Quibbling I may be but jarring maybe but no failing at all in the enjoyment this series brings though.

Over-familiar plots and mis-en-scenes drawn straight out of TV series like Diagnosis Murder and Murder She Wrote (shadowed profiles of killers with gloves presenting a syringes to the camera). Attractive actors (notably all in the 30-40age range) and backgrounds but stereotyped villains (eg., hostile, egotistical and hysterical CEOs and doctors) that are supposed to present red herrings for the viewer. Plethora of poorly-drawn primary and secondary characters that are all trawled serially for "motive" by the protagonist (which of course turn out to be other "secrets" they are concealing. Use your 90mins elsewhere.