It is very easy to see why Goodbye China is the highest rated episode of the lot, and although it's not a personal favourite, I understand the appeal. The story is terrific, if a little upsetting at times.
It was so nice to see China, a character that made a big impact in an earlier story, then simply vanished, he had a fitting send off.
As is so often the case, the story manages to get under your skin, to make you feel sadness, anger, and definitely to empathise with the characters. A really impressive set of characters here, including Liz Thompson, a bit of a love interest for Gently, and of course the dubious Sgt Molloy.
The performances were very impressive here too, one of Shaw's best performances, if not his very best, the moment where he reads China's note, with watery eyes had me choked. I thought Dead Lennox Kelly was fantastic also as Molloy.
It's a definite story of people who take justice into their own hands, and suffer the consequences.
A terrific watch. 9/10