'Taggart' "Silent Truth" (2010)
Opening thoughts: Have loved 'Taggart' (another show gotten into during my teenage years) for a long time, although the more deliberate and even grittier Taggart and Jardine periods to me are superior to Burke's. Although it was actually through watching the late afternoon reruns of the Burke period episodes (starting from "Compensation" right up to when the episodes became shorter, too short in my mind) at one point that got me hooked, the Taggart and Jardine episodes were actually seen a lot later.
"Silent Truth" was one of the last Burke-period 'Taggart' episodes seen back when it first aired. Even back then, without having any knowledge of how fans felt about the later Burke seasons, the episode left me very mixed. My feelings are pretty much the same thirteen years on. "Silent Truth" is worth a look (this reviewer only dislikes about three episodes), but it is indicative of how tired the show generally felt later and how the shorter lengths of the episodes were a detriment rather than an asset. As of now, it is the lowest rated episode here. To me, it is not that bad and "Genesis" and "Law" are a good deal worse. It is very uneven though and doesn't see 'Taggart' at its best.
Good things: There are good things here. It is typically slick-looking and it is good that the photography doesn't try to do too much stylistically, without being too clean looking. The grit has definitely not gone and neither has the uncompromising feel that the Glaswegian scenery gives. The theme song is still memorable and has an appealing nostalgic vibe, as well as well suited to the tone of the show. The acting from the regulars is fine.
Had little issue with the investigative work or how the team worked together. The episode does start promisingly and the scripting is gritty and thought provoking.
Bad things: On the other hand, "Silent Truth" is a long way from great. The music still doesn't really fit, feeling 10 plus years out of date (perfect in the 80s and early 90s episodes but very dated in the later Burke period episodes). The episode also suffers from the same two things that spoilt the show when episode lengths were shortened, with it being yet another episode to feel too short and too rushed.
Also felt that the case could have been better. It was too ordinary and could have done with more suspense and twists, while also trying to incorporate too much which made the second half over-complicated. Didn't care that much for the support acting, which felt phoned in and their characters are more generalised stereotypes than real people.
Closing thoughts: In conclusion, have seen a lot better but was expecting a lot worse considering the rating.
5/10.
Opening thoughts: Have loved 'Taggart' (another show gotten into during my teenage years) for a long time, although the more deliberate and even grittier Taggart and Jardine periods to me are superior to Burke's. Although it was actually through watching the late afternoon reruns of the Burke period episodes (starting from "Compensation" right up to when the episodes became shorter, too short in my mind) at one point that got me hooked, the Taggart and Jardine episodes were actually seen a lot later.
"Silent Truth" was one of the last Burke-period 'Taggart' episodes seen back when it first aired. Even back then, without having any knowledge of how fans felt about the later Burke seasons, the episode left me very mixed. My feelings are pretty much the same thirteen years on. "Silent Truth" is worth a look (this reviewer only dislikes about three episodes), but it is indicative of how tired the show generally felt later and how the shorter lengths of the episodes were a detriment rather than an asset. As of now, it is the lowest rated episode here. To me, it is not that bad and "Genesis" and "Law" are a good deal worse. It is very uneven though and doesn't see 'Taggart' at its best.
Good things: There are good things here. It is typically slick-looking and it is good that the photography doesn't try to do too much stylistically, without being too clean looking. The grit has definitely not gone and neither has the uncompromising feel that the Glaswegian scenery gives. The theme song is still memorable and has an appealing nostalgic vibe, as well as well suited to the tone of the show. The acting from the regulars is fine.
Had little issue with the investigative work or how the team worked together. The episode does start promisingly and the scripting is gritty and thought provoking.
Bad things: On the other hand, "Silent Truth" is a long way from great. The music still doesn't really fit, feeling 10 plus years out of date (perfect in the 80s and early 90s episodes but very dated in the later Burke period episodes). The episode also suffers from the same two things that spoilt the show when episode lengths were shortened, with it being yet another episode to feel too short and too rushed.
Also felt that the case could have been better. It was too ordinary and could have done with more suspense and twists, while also trying to incorporate too much which made the second half over-complicated. Didn't care that much for the support acting, which felt phoned in and their characters are more generalised stereotypes than real people.
Closing thoughts: In conclusion, have seen a lot better but was expecting a lot worse considering the rating.
5/10.