What a terrific new episode this was, even better than last week! The investigation was great and engaging, and the main cast were on top form as per usual.
This time around, the case centres on a man who was last seen at his mate's restaurant and who seems to have taken a tumble from the towering monolith of an overpass into a pile of rubbish, still present due to the refusal of workers to collect waste until they are given better pay. Gently, Bacchus (now an Inspector- to quote Victor Meldrew, I don't believe it!) and Coles delve deeper into the victim's life, and learn that his wife- slightly unstable in her suburban home- is a heavy gambler and that he and his pals were fond of brawls together in a 'just as mates' kind of way. At the same time, Rachel stresses over her Sergeant's exam, while John struggles to even say hello to Gemma.
The story this week is executed well and is engaging until the last moment. It truly emanates the vibes given off by earlier episodes as it focuses on the bond between Gently and Bacchus, as well as their friendships with Taylor and Rachel, which are coming along nicely. There are some good laughs this week, too, with the pair becoming drunk and wandering around their office with glasses balanced on their heads, as well as Gently calling poor Taylor 'Harpo' due to a chest infection which has rendered him unable to speak. I enjoyed the fact that the issue of Bacchus and Gemma's relationship has been cleared up nicely, too- however, it's the moments between the regulars that really shine.
The suspects are intriguing and the struggle between the three men who were so close is interesting to watch. Despite the fact that there are a limited number of suspects this week, I felt surprisingly hooked on the episode and I can't fathom why! One doesn't need to over-analyse the events of the mystery, they can just enjoy this one for what it is- a stylish, well-crafted detective tale with plenty of humour and a good story at the heart of it, along with a strong bond emerging between the main three.
Witty and well-written, this series of George Gently is fast becoming one of my favourites!
This time around, the case centres on a man who was last seen at his mate's restaurant and who seems to have taken a tumble from the towering monolith of an overpass into a pile of rubbish, still present due to the refusal of workers to collect waste until they are given better pay. Gently, Bacchus (now an Inspector- to quote Victor Meldrew, I don't believe it!) and Coles delve deeper into the victim's life, and learn that his wife- slightly unstable in her suburban home- is a heavy gambler and that he and his pals were fond of brawls together in a 'just as mates' kind of way. At the same time, Rachel stresses over her Sergeant's exam, while John struggles to even say hello to Gemma.
The story this week is executed well and is engaging until the last moment. It truly emanates the vibes given off by earlier episodes as it focuses on the bond between Gently and Bacchus, as well as their friendships with Taylor and Rachel, which are coming along nicely. There are some good laughs this week, too, with the pair becoming drunk and wandering around their office with glasses balanced on their heads, as well as Gently calling poor Taylor 'Harpo' due to a chest infection which has rendered him unable to speak. I enjoyed the fact that the issue of Bacchus and Gemma's relationship has been cleared up nicely, too- however, it's the moments between the regulars that really shine.
The suspects are intriguing and the struggle between the three men who were so close is interesting to watch. Despite the fact that there are a limited number of suspects this week, I felt surprisingly hooked on the episode and I can't fathom why! One doesn't need to over-analyse the events of the mystery, they can just enjoy this one for what it is- a stylish, well-crafted detective tale with plenty of humour and a good story at the heart of it, along with a strong bond emerging between the main three.
Witty and well-written, this series of George Gently is fast becoming one of my favourites!