The Distant Echo: Part 2

I watch a lot of drama - especially detective shows - so it is strange to see a story spread over 3 x 2 hour episodes (OK, under 90 mins without ads and trailers).

You really have to go back to the days of Prime Suspect, Cracker and Inspector WexFord to see 2 or 3 parters so this will take the viewer getting some used to.

For me, the question is why has it been done like this?

The Roy Grace books are of similar length to The Distant Echo and managed to be concised into one episode when dramatised.

I feel this is too stretched out with the screenplay writer even finding herself a role in the show that wasn't in the book but, there again, Karen Pirie hardly appears either but but she has been given a central role with strong characterisations.

The story is strained and eked out despite one major character from the book not appearing (as well as others).

Mondo, Ziggy, Gilly and Weird are plausible nick names. Who on earth invented Ticker, Mint and River Wilde lacked the same imagination.

One episode or two at the most would have been quite sufficient.