Oddly enough, actually started watching 'Taggart' in my teens through the episodes with Burke in charge ("Compensation" being one of the first). Watching more of 'Taggart' overtime it quickly became apparent to me that the episodes from the Taggart and Jardine eras were superior to the Burke ones, some of them getting better with each re-watch and some of the Burke ones were weaker re-watching or still episodes that ranged between average and very good.
"Atonement", 'Taggart's' 20th Anniversary episode just to say, was one of the episodes that, on first watch and re-watches (have done that with all the 'Taggart' episodes, even those that didn't do much for me), struck me as pretty good with much good if far from perfect. Have always loved the little things within the team, the individual character relationships and much of the mystery, at the same time there could have been more surprises and Burke has never been one of my favourite 'Taggart' characters to put it lightly.
Lets start with what "Atonement" does well, and a lot is done well. The photography has the necessary grit and moodiness and the location is striking yet suitably unforgiving. The music matches that perfectly and the main theme is unforgettable. Really love how the team work together, there is a spark between them and the investigative elements are cohesive with some clever evidence. The leads do gel well and all give more than credible performances, apart from some overdoing from Alex Norton. The supporting cast do well, William McBain having the juiciest character played without being cartoonish.
While the chemistry between Jackie and Robbie has always been a delight, it is the tension between Robbie and Burke that intrigues the most. There are some nice character moments, with the highlights being Robbie and Jackie going out for a drink (a perfect example of what makes their chemistry click so well, like when Robbie blames Jackie for the double whisky ordering) and Burke's priceless expression when a character cuddles Robbie to prove someone's innocence. We also see Jackie and Burke's dislike of dogs. The case is mostly compelling with a tense finale.
It could have been more surprising, with a few more twists, and the responsible is not too hard to figure out and too prematurely too.
Burke's aggression in the way he talks to people does get a bit too much, though he is a little less of a bully than when he first started out.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10
"Atonement", 'Taggart's' 20th Anniversary episode just to say, was one of the episodes that, on first watch and re-watches (have done that with all the 'Taggart' episodes, even those that didn't do much for me), struck me as pretty good with much good if far from perfect. Have always loved the little things within the team, the individual character relationships and much of the mystery, at the same time there could have been more surprises and Burke has never been one of my favourite 'Taggart' characters to put it lightly.
Lets start with what "Atonement" does well, and a lot is done well. The photography has the necessary grit and moodiness and the location is striking yet suitably unforgiving. The music matches that perfectly and the main theme is unforgettable. Really love how the team work together, there is a spark between them and the investigative elements are cohesive with some clever evidence. The leads do gel well and all give more than credible performances, apart from some overdoing from Alex Norton. The supporting cast do well, William McBain having the juiciest character played without being cartoonish.
While the chemistry between Jackie and Robbie has always been a delight, it is the tension between Robbie and Burke that intrigues the most. There are some nice character moments, with the highlights being Robbie and Jackie going out for a drink (a perfect example of what makes their chemistry click so well, like when Robbie blames Jackie for the double whisky ordering) and Burke's priceless expression when a character cuddles Robbie to prove someone's innocence. We also see Jackie and Burke's dislike of dogs. The case is mostly compelling with a tense finale.
It could have been more surprising, with a few more twists, and the responsible is not too hard to figure out and too prematurely too.
Burke's aggression in the way he talks to people does get a bit too much, though he is a little less of a bully than when he first started out.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10