Scotland Yard, crimes sur la Tamise

I think that the plots are good and all the actors are really good. David Hayman is an outstanding actor - BUT not good enough to bridge this huge flaw that the writers carved into this series. He simply is not "lead man" material and the dynamics between him Pat North are incredulous. It's a poor match and on top of that, the writer(s) dwell way too much on this horrific flaw. I also find David Hayman's character, at times, annoying in that it verges on a caricature of a detective. In fact, the writer has managed to turn David Hayman's character into an incredibly dislike, unsympathetic protagonist. To say that he is obnoxious, at times, would be an understatement.

I enjoy the show and despite some people saying the endings were not clear, I thought they were pretty good. Sometimes you were undecided whodunit. Or not to see it til the last minute. The thing I did not enjoy is the misogyny of the main character who shouted at people, especially the women and seemed to use women like servants, calling them names as he did so. The stories were good despite him. Would have been great without him.

After 4 seasons we gave up on this because the character of David Hayman was just obnoxious, egotistical and abusive, especially to women.

This behaviour would not be allowed on any police force even in the late 90s. We just couldn't watch it anymore. It would bet an 8 from us with better character development or growth, maturity or decency.

I enjoyed the series but I started wanting Mike Walker and his cohorts to get punched in the face. Arrogant and overbearing is not something you want to put up with in the heroes.

It's depressingly significant that Kate Buffery is not credited here as one of the "stars". I only started watching a vintage series which I assumed would be very dated, because of her presence.

I first came across her in the memorable drama series Wish Me Luck, and was bowled over by her - not just one of the most beautiful women the small screen has ever seen, but a superb actress who sadly seems never to have won the acclaim that was her due.

She's great in this - absolutely convincing. She carries the series which becomes much more ordinary after her departure - then increasingly strident and silly.