These comments refer to both parts of this two-episode case not just episode two.
This, the first case in the series, serves to introduce the two main characters; DI Dave Creegan and DI Susan Taylor. Creegan is a new member of the fictional 'Organized and Serial Crime Unit' and the first case he and Taylor get involved in is the disappearance of a young boy from a playground. A case that is linked to two other disappearances. As they survey the scene Creegan spots a plastic daffodil under which the boy's trainers are buried. Rechecking the previous two scenes reveals similar plastic flowers. A prime suspect soon emerges; Professor Ronald Hinks. He was seen near the sight of the abduction and when they check his past they discover a very similar case involving two boys is Stuttgart while Hinks lived there. Creegan and Taylor fly to Germany and after talking to local police and seeing Hinks' old home they believe that the three abducted boys in England may still be alive although the clock is definitely ticking. They search Hicks' house and bring him in to interview but there is no evidence and no sign of the boys.
This was an impressive introduction to the new series; there is an interesting question mark over Creegan's character as we are told that there is a one year gap in his work record and we see him talking to a rather unusual 'psychic' called Cyril but aren't immediately sure whether he is consulting him professionally or just humouring a troubled character. Robson Green does a fine job in the role of Creegan and is ably supported by the excellent Nicola Walker as Taylor. Ian McDiarmid is suitably creepy as prime suspect Professor Hicks. The fact that the children are almost certainly alive adds to the sense of urgency as Creegan must decide whether or not to break the rules to save the children but in the process make a prosecution almost impossible. The only real weak point of the story was when Creegan produced a pistol; there was no explanation as to why he was armed and one wouldn't expect a policeman in his position to be armed in the UK. Overall this was a good introduction to the series and I look forward to watching further instalments.
This, the first case in the series, serves to introduce the two main characters; DI Dave Creegan and DI Susan Taylor. Creegan is a new member of the fictional 'Organized and Serial Crime Unit' and the first case he and Taylor get involved in is the disappearance of a young boy from a playground. A case that is linked to two other disappearances. As they survey the scene Creegan spots a plastic daffodil under which the boy's trainers are buried. Rechecking the previous two scenes reveals similar plastic flowers. A prime suspect soon emerges; Professor Ronald Hinks. He was seen near the sight of the abduction and when they check his past they discover a very similar case involving two boys is Stuttgart while Hinks lived there. Creegan and Taylor fly to Germany and after talking to local police and seeing Hinks' old home they believe that the three abducted boys in England may still be alive although the clock is definitely ticking. They search Hicks' house and bring him in to interview but there is no evidence and no sign of the boys.
This was an impressive introduction to the new series; there is an interesting question mark over Creegan's character as we are told that there is a one year gap in his work record and we see him talking to a rather unusual 'psychic' called Cyril but aren't immediately sure whether he is consulting him professionally or just humouring a troubled character. Robson Green does a fine job in the role of Creegan and is ably supported by the excellent Nicola Walker as Taylor. Ian McDiarmid is suitably creepy as prime suspect Professor Hicks. The fact that the children are almost certainly alive adds to the sense of urgency as Creegan must decide whether or not to break the rules to save the children but in the process make a prosecution almost impossible. The only real weak point of the story was when Creegan produced a pistol; there was no explanation as to why he was armed and one wouldn't expect a policeman in his position to be armed in the UK. Overall this was a good introduction to the series and I look forward to watching further instalments.
