Episode 7

Series 11 has seen a dramatic down turn in the level of writing.

The plot holes are so large they can't be overlooked any more. They're actually hurting the program.

It's a disposable program I know, so I was hoping it would correct itself but the losing streak of episodes made me have to look for a common denominator for the bad and it looks like writer James Hall is the common thread to the bad episodes.

There were a long list of terrible details to this one as were mentioned in other reviews 2 gun shots but one not heard.

Why did he have his phone out to call the cops before the shot hit so the second shooter could time their shot to the first shooter, or fire a mythical silent gun (they don't exist. Even with a silencer they are very loud).

How did a 19 year old girl have the skills to purchase a specific weapon and learn how to operate it with such precision.

Why are our crack team so bad as to not find a gun hidden on the murder scene with a trail of sand leading to it?

The program isn't as smart as the level it set for itself any more. Watching dumb people doing dumb things is not entertainment.

The good, Marlon's character. An interesting arc.

What was sister izzy all about?

I was interesting to see some family back story to Neville and a relief to not have to sit through his hypochondriac routine any more, and he's obviously a skilled actor capable of detail and subtlety. Give him more to work with.

The ending where the writer just realised they'd made a victim into a bad guy was unintentionally funny. Talk about backtracking and covering your butt. "I'm sure the judge will take into account all the details in the case and rule in your favor and don't worry about it, you're young, you'll bounce back".

It's a Friday night, easy watching, lightweight bit of viewing and it fulfills the brief nicely. However a couple of character changes have dragged it down a bit. The ever smiling Darleen is not a plausible character and adds little to the ensemble and in the episode this week, the ReggaeRap artist, was further spoiled by the one dimensional performance of Layla. As poor here as she was in Father Brown, it can't all be down to lazy direction.

If it is to continue (and I hope it does) it needs new blood making decisions behind the cameras as well as a bit of effort in front. Rolf Little is good, Marlon's role is moving along nicely and even the softening of Don Warrington's Commissioner is adding to the all round value if the show, I'm afraid the supporting roles are letting it down.

I have to agree with a lot of what has been said, the actual murder is all rather unbelievable for the reasons others have stated. Although I do like Darlene's character, it's rather ludicrous that she has been drafted into the team. I agree too that Naomi was more interesting in uniform. Since her promotion she seems to have had less to do. In fact I've only rated this one so highly because of Marlon. His character has really started to blossom and he shines throughout an otherwise routine episode. His scenes with the Commissioner at the end were really rather touching.

During a sound test, a reggae rap artist is shot dead on stage.

It saddens me, but this is the first time I've ever felt the need to give an episode of this show a generally negative review.

There was one scene where Neville, Marlon, Naomi and Darlene were stood discussing the case, each of them looked bored, disinterested and lifeless, throughout this episode the acting seemed lethargic somehow, something was definitely off here. The story wasn't the most exciting, and the pacing was such, that it was a boring watch.

The one shining light, Marlon, who is definitely the most interesting character, I liked his story, I liked that his past is still relevant. Naomi felt a little invisible here, personally I preferred her in uniform, she was far more interesting.

Izzy, how on Earth has she managed to get a Visa to simply stay on the island for as long as she wants, and as for the baby on the island, no comment.

You do have to wonder how many murder weapons are washing up on that beach, it's a wonder there's any room for a towel.

My only hope for next week, is that Florence returns to save the finale, her absence has been badly felt in the last few episodes.

Didn't rate this one, 5/10.

Like other reviewers I did feel this was very dull and routine.

On a more general point the mix of characters and balance between them feels off to me. Darlene being drafted in just feels very lazy in terms of writing and is it me, or is that character really irritating?

In the past when characters have been replaced the show always maintained a nice balance. With so many changes recently it all feels a bit out of control. I hope they can either draft Florence back in or Dwayne. Unlikely, as I think it was the actors who decided to finish.

On top of that Neville is probably coming to the end of his tenure has he's done 3 seasons (?) so there will be more upheaval if the show gets recommissioned beyond the next series.