Scott & Bailey

Scott and Bailey's first episode was actually rather superb! OK so it was a little predictable but the banter between all of the characters and the clever questioning by Rachel Bailey at the end made this an enjoyable cop drama. To be fair, this series has a lot to live up to - it has a likable cast and its home, ITV, have a reputation for writing some very interesting and good detective dramas such as Morse, Lewis, Vera,Midsomer Murders and Law and Order:UK and, in my opinion, it continues ITV's success at writing and presenting detective dramas. I have a feeling that Scott and Bailey will continue to improve as the weeks go by...

Solid, standard British detective show. Great to see strong female leads in a male dominated field. Amelia Bullmore as DCI Gill Murray is the standout scene stealer. Simply outstanding. The title characters are good, at times over acted. Story lines a bit unbelievable - hard to see why so many men would be obsessed with these two.

I have seen only two episodes so far of season 1, but already it looks like this female detectives duo is the among the best, definitely the best of the season. The chaotic private lives of DI's Janet Scott and Rachel Bailey and the solving of the cases are presented in a perfect mix. An especially good point: we are off dead bodies and CSI-like gore (at least for the first two episodes). They still exist, of course, but off-screen. The details are related to us in indirect ways, through the cops' case meetings, the questioning of suspects, conversations in cars, and walk-with-me talks. What we do see instead are the consequences of the crimes committed: We see them in the faces of wonderful hugely talented actors that fill even the tiniest role. It makes up more than enough for the only grievance I have: spoiled by the lavish period production of Inspector George Gently I was hoping to see more of the Yorkshire landscape.

I couldn't stop until I've watched all 6 episodes in a row. Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp give a brilliant performance alongside the other cast. I loved that it's one of a few stories set from women's point of view, dealing with the professional and personal issues. I think we should have more of that. I can't judge if the work of police was shown true to life, but it definitely seemed more realistic than the 'bang-bang-case solved!' sort of shows. Scott and Bailey has cross-cutting plot lines, which also makes it more interesting to watch. I want to also point out the beautiful camera work. I hope for the next season!

Update for season 2. Could I love them more? I already can't wait for season 3. None of the characters is flat, even if they appear for a couple of minutes, the cases are still interesting, and I was glad that we also looked into not only Janet's and Rachel's personal lives, but of other characters too.

I was a detective in a Northern force and this show truly captures the atmosphere of the team, the work, the passions, the characters and the full gamut of human life that you are forced to confront. Great to see such real women characters leading the show, all 3 leads are almost too lifelike, these are women I've known. It may still be mostly a mans world, but these women really are out there. Two criticisms, the only flaw in the real life tapestry, the absence of the other kind of policewomen, those that make it hard on this kind..... And why does it have such an unimaginative title, especially when it's really about three women not two! Don't miss the best of British.....