Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

This is an astonishing documentary that will wring your heart while it bends your mind

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

I watched most of this series when it was first aired. Such were my fond memories of the gentle, positive, humorous script coupled with the first- class professionalism of an outstanding group of actors, that I recently bought the entire work on DVD. So here's the problem: I've just watched the last episode and it's over! I am bereft!! I'm sure that all the crew have moved onwards and upwards, as they so richly deserve. But I want more! Oh well. C'est la vie. Anyway my message to you, dear reader is, don't believe all the cynical negatives you will see in certain of these reviews. This series was/is an example of the best TV drama in the World from the best broadcaster at the pinnacle of its powers. And for those who are unsure about the summary given above, it's Latin (well sort of)and says; 'Don't let the b**t*rds grind you down'.

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All CostsDetective Nicky Cole (Don Gilet) has moved from London to Newcastle after blowing the whistle on a corrupt colleague.Every week,he solves a different case.An underlying theme of the show seems to be the institutional racism that seems to go on in the police force on the Tyneside,originally highlighted in the first episode with the arrival of a new black copper.I could go in to great depth in to discussing how average I thought the show is,but ultimately,I have to admit my OLS above really hits it in a nutshell.Despite the huge effort the actors and writers appear to be going to in order to make it otherwise,the show just fails to everreally come together and be engaging or absorbing in any way.Despite a few nice touches (a thrilling chase scene in the first episode,some slick visuals,nice dialogue and a cool soundtrack),the illusion that you are not watching just a very average show is just never marred.Surprisingly,Tim Healy never made a guest appearance in any of the episodes.Oh well,there might be another season.Lets hope it's better.***

Don Gillet has made a decent fist of his first starring role but this drama is no classic. Spender was more groundbreaking 10 years ago and set in the same place. I don't understand the significance of the Uncle/Uncle/Nephew arrangement but I'm sure I will be left wondering.Andrew Dunn is good as he is in Dinnerladies and the angry chief cliché is about 40 years old now, change the record. Dunn's sidekick, Clarky, is annoying and the lad who plays him was better a Oz's gay son in Aufweidersehn Pet 3. Gillet stands out for me but maybe because he is young and black and all other detective shows have middle aged detectives doing the same thing.Enjoyable Tuesday night stuff but if I had Spender DVD's I'd probably pop them in instead.

The hero in this is frankly too good to be true.He is bringing up someone else's child. Is a model police officer.I have only seen one episode and it is already obvious that he is going to get together with the lawyer after he (surprise surprise) got off on the wrong foot with her.I also have doubts as to whether he will ever fail to solve the crime and bring the baddies to book.As always with any drama set in Newcastle, every opportunity is taken for a backdrop of the Tyne Bridge.In short, an abundance of cliches.