Silent Witness (TV Series) Sniper's Nest: Part 2 (2015) User Reviews

A fitting conclusion

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 20 June 2017]

The killer seems to have retained their composure, killing more victims and remaining out of sight.

A fitting conclusion to what had been one of the best episodes I can think of in the show's history. A really complex story brought together and unravelled in spectacular fashion. Each of the team members are giving input into the episode, even Thomas, who's so often a bit part player, he's given some background and brought to life.

An unexpected ending, I can imagine annoyance from a few by the sudden introduction of the Sniper's character, but the revelation of his sidekick is a shock. Young Adam Wilson who played Craig was superb.

The future is looking bright for Silent Witness. 9/10

Hunting a sniper

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 8 January 2015]

This, the first episode of the eighteenth season, opens with an Asian couple driving along a motorway. They stop at a petrol station and as the man refuels his car he is shot and collapses. His wife rushes to his help and is also shot along with the black worker who tries to help her. When the police arrive on the scene they have no idea of the killer's motives; where they racial, specifically targeted or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time. There is also the worry that this may just be the first event in a killing spree. The officer in charge of the case, DCI Jane De Freitas, is under pressure to make an arrest and the pressure increases when further shootings occur… even though there are no obvious suspects and she isn't even certain that there is only one killer. Meanwhile Dr Thomas Chamberlain is worrying about his daughter; his ex's new partner is taking her out and he is worried about the sniper.

This was a fairly riveting season opener; I was gripped from the first scene. There was a good mystery and a sense of danger as we have no idea where the sniper will strike next or even if there was only one sniper. The regular cast do a decent job and I liked Zoe Telford's performance as DCI De Freitas. On the down side Dr Chamberlain's worries seemed a bit of a distraction and the scenes where the sniper shot somebody through a small home in his car's boot seemed unlikely… given the size of the hole how could he see through the rifle's scope! We also learn the show is set in the future… it is stated that it is 2015 yet it is clearly spring! A bit picky I know but it stood out at the time. As the story nears its end we see a highly manipulative suspect and it looks as though this person might even get away with the crime. Overall I'd say this was a great introduction to the new season with a gripping story and some shocking moments.

Chilling

[keysam-02610 · 9/10 · 14 June 2022]

Excellent episode. Not too much of the main characters' personal angst (& it was delightful to see Nikki attempting to reconnect with her very dishy fellow runner at the end - should have included a shot of him collecting the origami swan though!) just a straightforward detective story.

The young suspect was very well done and it was chilling to see his smirking face and to start to think he was going to get away with his crimes.

Clever Unraveling

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 1 May 2019]

Twists and turns eventually bring things in through the back door. Sometimes, the worst of the worst trust the wrong people and pay for it. I really like the young guy who played the kid and the way Jack dealt with him. It shows what can happen when so much pain is inflicted. There are so many victims and so many questions. A random sniper must be one of the hardest to catch when there is no rhyme or reason. This episode continues the high quality that this series has maintained through the years.

Gripping

[retina_scan · 10/10 · 29 January 2022]

This is clearly one of the best stories so far. Gripping, keeps you guessing, a lot of twists and turns. It does become clearer who the culprit is around halfway through episode two though. Perhaps some subplots seemed off-key, like the relationship between DCI De Freitas and her partner, which seemed as if it would be more important in the beginning of the first epiisode. The same for the scenes about Chamberlain's personal life, although I suspect that'll build up in future episodes. Regardless, brilliant stuff.