Knots and Crosses

I started reading the books a while back and I figured it was a good time to re-watch this show; in order this time as I had only watched it at random. The series finale, Knots and Crosses, was a good story but not a particularly strong one to end the show with IMHO.

For one thing, the title is the same as the very first book, that's where the similarities end however. Why not do a story closer to its namesake? That would've made for a great last episode! Then there's the trial that set the plot in motion. A murder trial ends in acquittal in part because Rebus is accused of coercion to get a confession. We learn there's more to it than that eventually but doesn't the accusing party have to provide some evidence of their claim? Not once was obtaining a copy of the recording even mentioned. If it was that easy to derail a trial everybody who confesses and later wants to recant would claim coercion.

I'm not an expert in Scottish or English law, but I have to imagine there would be a process to remove or exchange prosecutors when it's so blatantly obvious one isn't performing their utmost for the state. To avoid spoilers, I'll just leave it at that.

I don't know what led to ending the show after only 14 episodes, but I'm betting they knew this was to be their last while filming. I say that because in the very last scene, instead of having a drink with DS Clarke, Rebus says he has to see a few people first that we don't meet and he doesn't elaborate on. Why couldn't they change the script to throw a little gratitude Clark's way? Regardless, Rebus is a great character filmed in a picturesque location. The show will be missed. Cheers.

Rebus is investigated by his former friend and colleague, when the trial of Daniel Carr collapses, and he gets away with murder.

I think this fourth series has perhaps been the show's best spell, I think they really got the formula spot on, and this final episode is one of the best.

Knots and Crosses is a cracking story, it's a cracking, layered mystery, with so many elements, and so many undercurrents, the investigating duo are themselves being investigated.

I think this may well be Ken Stott's finest performance as Rebus, he is outstanding here, Nicholas Farrell, is equally as good, the pair played off one another very well.

It's a real shame this show came to an end here, they truly had hit their stride.

9/10.