Wire in the Blood 2 [DVD]

Building on the events of the first season, Clinical Psychologist Dr Tony Hill (Green) and DI/DCI Jordan (Norris) have developed a professional relationship that is very much in the Mulder and Scully mould - one relies on fact and the other on intuition. There is a closeness, trust and caring that suggests more than friendship but never goes beyond. The relationship between the two is pivotal to the series and both leads do a great job.

As with the first dvd, the extras are barely woth mentioning (short interviews with Green, Norris and the author of the books) but this dvd is still worth the money.

Green's master stroke was accepting the script of a drama slightly more complex than most he has played before. Traditonally his roles have been rather flat, lacking in depth, and thus turned some viewers like me off. However as Dr Tony Hill, a police psychologist, he shows facets of his acting ability that were previously hidden under a bushel - the man undeniably has talent.

Hermione Norris cannot be ignored as Green's colleague, a driven and smart woman with more than a little attraction to our complex friend. There are scenes between the two of great tension, frustration and tenderness, and the suspense will tear you apart.

The storylines are engaging, and occassionally a little shocking, but by that token they spark emotion and bring a level to this police drama that is largely unparalleled in UK crime drama(it will certainly appeal to Morse and CSI fans). McDermid's symbiosis of the private and personal lives of her characters takes you into their worlds and to a certain extent you start to empathise with their emotions.

'Wire in the Blood' is the surprise addition to my DVD collection this year, and righteously so. Not bad for a man whose middle name is 'Golightly'....

A few words on Robson Green....
Prior to viewing WITB I was entirely unfamiliar with both Robson and his acting career. However, I've found his characterization of Tony Hill always fascinating, compelling and a delight, so I was frankly surprised by the somewhat negative comments by several UK reviewers concerning Robson and his abilities as an actor. From what I've read, it would seem that they are dragging behind them a heavy load of "Robson Green Baggage." I would suggest to any other UK viewers hesitant to give WITB a look due to prejudices against Robson Green: Drop the RB baggage outside the front door, sit down, turn off the lights, and enjoy some of the finest writing, producing and acting (yes, Robson too) that television has to offer.