Synopsis
Here are three more cases involving the gambling-addicted, cantankerous, infuriating yet stilloddly likeable criminal psychologist Fitz (Robbie Coltrane). “To Be a Somebody” has him upagainst a dangerous skinhead (Robert Carlyle). In “The Big Crunch,” the menace is a dangerousreligious cult. And “Men Should Weep” has a serial rapist who graduates to murder, indirectlybecause of Coltrane.
Of course, the actual murder investigations are only part of the story here, an… they intertwinewith, and affect, the personal lives of the characters. There is nothing simple about these taleseither: they are very dark, and at the same time very grey. A case in point is Carlyle’s skinhead:we see his entire evolution from despair to violence, and his muttered, almost weeping mantraof “L-I-V, E-R-P, double-O-L, Liverpool FC” will haunt you long after the program is over. Nopunches at all are pulled in the storylines, so don’t sit down expecting a cozy little murdermystery.
Audio
As with the first series, the 2.0 sounds is surprisingly good. The music is fine, and theenvironmental effects are very good. Whether we’re in a factory or a bar, the sound effects areenveloping and quite expansive. Again, this is among the best audio I’ve heard on a TV-basedproduct.
Video
Unfortunately, again as with the first series, the picture quality leaves a fair bit to be desired.There may perhaps be less grain than on the previous release (but this is a nuance). However, thepicture is still very soft. The contrasts are rather weak, and the colours are murky. This wouldlook bad even as a broadcast.
Special Features
Nothing at all.
Closing Thoughts
A fine series. If only the picture quality could improve. As well, the fancy box might leadyou to believe there would be some equally fancy extras, but no such luck.
