The pressure’s on for DS Bailey
Though the fourth season didn’t get off to the start that season three did (Nicola Walker’s performance would take some beating) I still have high hopes that the series will unfold in a satisfying way. Despite my misgivings about episode 2.
Episode 2 review
The second episode was a little different to most as the first ten minutes or so were spent in the incident room as we listened to the team discuss their latest case (and the first with newly promoted DS Bailey in charge) at length. It was refreshing to watch as the facts were argued in real time. It almost felt like we were peeking inside a real police station (I say almost as I’m sure any detectives would tell you investigations are NOTHING like that). Great not to rely on action sequences and quick edits to create dramatic tension.
Issues
However, I had a bit of a problem with this storyline. As I watched Rachel struggle with her new responsibilities (not helped by her knob head tendencies or constant interference from her predecessor) I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right with the plot. And I’m talking ruddy gaping PLOT HOLE.
SPOILER ALERT – don’t read more if you haven’t seen episode 2
FACTS
Murder victim was pregnant when she died
Her husband was not the father
The father was her husband’s brother
Now, here’s my question:- surely when the DNA results for the unborn baby and the husband were compared right at the beginning, there would have been a partial match. Presumably enough to cast suspicion on the husband’s family from the get-go? If the father was the husband’s brother, those two brothers would have similar (though not identical) DNA profiles.
Wouldn’t they?
Or is my limited knowledge of the human genome sending me off in the wrong direction entirely?
I know Scott and Bailey isn’t your typical cop drama – it’s meant to be more character than plot focused – and that’s what appeals to me – but plot holes you can drive a bus through?
Any thoughts on this much appreciated.
DCI Gill Murray
Shocking news right at the end of the episode: Gill Murray is retiring! No! It can’t be allowed to happen. I’ve always thought the series should be called Scott, Bailey and Murray – it has less of a ring to it, but without Godzilla the series wouldn’t be half as good.
Is there a petition we can sign to stop it happening?
You can catch up with episode 2 on ITV Player until October 16.
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Not just one plot hole, sadly. Yes, think you’re probably right about the DNA partial match, but I’m not an expert! I was also concerned at a flaw when the brother (i.e. the murderer) was interviewed. DC Scott actually told him how the murdered woman had been killed! Surely, she should have asked him. If he’d been innocent, then he may have guessed at strangulation rather than stabbing. The whole episode felt rushed, as if they had to get it all tied up within that episode. I do hope it’s not going to slide into “The Bill” style of writing. And, yes, am dismayed at Godzilla’s retirement – but that may be how they will end the final episode and end the series. Unthinkable otherwise.
Lovely to hear from you! Hope you’re well.
It was a tad flawed, wasn’t it? But I’ve noticed lately I get much more involved in programmes that are less than perfect – there’s just so much more to talk about!
I’ll still continue to watch S and B – no matter how much I shout at the telly!
Oh yes, same here! I guess we have such (justifiably) high expectations of S&B that we are acutely aware of any shortcomings. But I still love the prog and will be glued to the tv 😉
I’m well, thanks, and hope you are, too.
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This was a cold case. 23 years ago they didn’t do DNA. Why do you think the Innocence Project is suddenly so successful?