Reviews

All was well until about series nine, when Andy suddenly had a make-over and became all touchy feely, and much softer, always falling in love and ending up in bed. I easily preferred him when he was scratching his balls and being outstandingly politically incorrect. The new Andy was, in my opinion, far less interesting than the old Andy. The stories were well written though I have never been a big fan of the Pascoe character as his acting was not particularly impressive. I was sorry to see the back of Weeldy, or however you spell her name. The two later additions to the team: Latif and the girl officer didn't fit too well.

The story is straightforward. Two police officers investigating a potential crime are blown up by a car bomb, and the police have to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators who have committed other crimes. The two words to describe what happens next, are "slow burn". This is one of those only rare stories where forensics are as important as the actual investigation. As one would hope, the viewer needs to get to know all of the characters as intimately as possible, and this exercise of turning the characters into a team is done very well and very slowly. By the end we know each of the characters. The one female is very well acted and is totally believable. Instead of herself becoming, so to speak, one of the boys she retains her femininity and becomes a very useful part of the team. There is a moral side to the story which means that the detective in charge, must prepare for the trial and face inevitable criticism for seeming to cut corners.

A very unexpected ending whereby all of the work of the investigators and forensics gels and for me, gets an unexpected, grown up result.

My only reason for not giving it 10 stars was because as usual, and its my age, I couldn't always hear what the actors were saying.

Brilliant in terms of the writing, the acting, the editing and the directing. Other TV series have made me laugh out loud: Phoenix Nights and Father Ted in particular. When I was a child it was the likes of Norman Wisdom and Mr Pastry (Richard Hearn), that made me almost wet myself, but this is on a whole new level. If I wet myself now, it's an age problem. I keep watching this because I never tire of the humour or the characters. Grandma and her paramour, both of whom were brilliant: she, sweet and a little afraid of him and him, randy, belligerent and a product of his time. Both mum and dad were so very funny, she bemused by her family and Martin,bemused by life. Jim, whoever thought him up was a genius because he adds to the mayhem. As to the brothers, the way that they physically attack each other, well, it has to be real.

I am so pleased that went on as long as it did and without any diminution in its quality.

It's good to see such positive reviews. My only criticism is that in a Jewish family, she wouldn't address the boys as bobble, but as boobela.

As I say, a very good storyline, very believable. But I wasn't convinced by the actors playing the defence counsel or his pupil, both were fairly wooden and it was hard to accept their relationship, either professional or romantic. Two of the other characters were usefully obectionable. The court scenes were well presented. A good, though predictable, ending. I quite enjoyed those few parts of Liverpool that we were shown.

In some ways this series, albeit much shorter and with fewer characters, reminded me of the Australian series Crownie, but that was far more polished with many sympathetic characters.

It was clear from the outset that this was going to be a film of a very high quality: the camera work and the picture quality. It is hard to say which of the actors was the best as they all played their part so well and so believably. As is always the case with films of this era, a wonderful script with very little action - just proper acting. The story was believable and concerned a woman who in years past might have been called a nymphomaniac. Nevertheless, it was hard not to view her with some sympathy. A film with this subject matter would not be made today and if it were, then no producer would be able to resist adding highly sexualised scenes. There were no sex scenes, it was all left to the imagination. Brilliant.

Tony Doyle and Ger Ryan were both perfect for the series, though this is not to denigrate the other actors. A very well written story, with much care taken to give it credibility. The background and sets were carefully managed and gave it a great atmosphere. The family problems though extreme, were believable. Of the two main characters it is hard to say who was best at portraying their characters. Although background music often spoils a story, on this occasion it did enhance the story. Very moving. The slow deterioration of the father was very sad, and the stoicism of his wife were both very moving. I don't think that I was bored at any time.

Unlike a previous reviewer it took me about 20 minutes to get into episode 1, but I am glad that I persisted. For a start I loved the music which was quite jolly and infectious. I was a little unsure about father who seemed too young for the part, but his acting was so good that I soon got over that. All of the characters whether members of the family or not, were well cast. The many inter connected stories were well written, with very good direction. Much effort was given to the authenticity of the sets, and was very successful. Drama, romance (which I don't..normally go for) and comedy. A perfect series! Congratulations to all involved. I can't see how a second series could have repeated the success of the first.