Inspector George Gently Son of a Gun (2007–2017) Online

The final episode of the current opens with a bang when robbers armed with Sten guns rob a bank in Newcastle just before Christmas. As they flee one of them drops his weapon; it is picked up by the security guard who decides to shoot at their departing car. The car is later found with a dead girl in the driver's seat; this leads to the protesting guard being charged with her killing and just as importantly to a group of local skinheads led by Jonjo Burdon. He and his friends a brought in for questioning but there is no evidence against then and they know it. After being released he attacks a witness; a young lad who Gently knows as he worked with his late father. With nothing else to go on Rachel has to get a haircut and go undercover in Johjo's club to find out what he is planning next; it will be a dangerous job.

This is probably the most exciting episode of the current run. The villains are genuinely frightening; especially Jonjo, Jody Latham does a fine job bringing this thoroughly unpleasant character to the screen. There is a sense that any of the major characters could come to grief; Rachel learns she has passed her sergeants' exam, Gently tells Bacchus he has MS and Bacchus appears to be getting back with his married girlfriend… all clichés that indicate things could end badly for a character… thankfully it doesn't end badly but right till the end I thought it might. The regular cast all put in fine performances but it is Lisa McGrillis who really shines as DC, soon to be DS, Rachel Coles; her character is strong but shows a degree of vulnerability, especially after she gets much of her hair cut off and goes into the crowded skinhead club. Overall I found this to be a great episode; I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next series.

As a huge fan of detective/crime/mystery series, there is the admission that it took me a while to start watching 'Inspector George Gently', worrying as to whether it would appeal to me for "can't put my finger on it" reasons other than being young at the time and not being as knowledgeable of the period. Getting into the show eight years ago and continuing to watch it without fail, it turned out to be simply wonderful and actually became a favourite.

After a very solid, if still settling, start in "Gently Go Man", it felt like 'Inspector George Gently' started to hit its stride with "The Burning Man" and that continued with "Bomber's Moon". The show hit a high point with "Gently with the Innocents" and the high point standards applies here again in perhaps the most episode of the show "Son of a Gun". There is a lot here that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it shows that it is not at all hard to see why the show appeals to many.

"Son of a Gun" shows 'Inspector George Gently' still delivering on a consistent level, no bad episodes up to this point. It is indicative that the show has found its feet and hit its stride. It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of other episodes that tackled daring themes, yet there is the tension and tautness and genuinely poignant execution of the tragic elements. Love the development for Rachel.

However, "Son of a Gun", like the rest of the show, looks great, often beautiful. It is strikingly filmed and the scenery and period detail are atmospheric, handsome and evocative, a lot of work and care went into re-creating the period and it definitely shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.

The writing has a lot of thought-provoking intelligence and balances subtle humour and drama very well and executing both individually just as well. The direction is alert and accommodating and the story is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. The climax is intense. "Son of a Gun", and 'Inspector Gently' in general, is very interesting for how British law was like in the 60s and how much it's changed and come on compared to now.

Love the chemistry between Gently and Bacchus, one of the most interesting and well-contrasted detective/crime/mystery drama pairings (perhaps the most interesting since Morse and Lewis). The two couldn't have more different personalities and how they gel and clash entertains and intrigues. Both are fascinating characters, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed.

Can't fault the acting, the continually brilliant performances from Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby here and throughout the show are career highs for both actors. All the support is good, especially from a nuanced Lisa McGrillis and a loathsome Jody Latham.

Overall, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox