Review: Season 2, Episode Six

As the series draws nearer to its impending conclusion, we're treated to an absolutely brilliant episode that contains moments of extreme laughter, brutal poignancy and issues that are still socially relevant in our contemporary society.

The pipedreams of the Asian immigrants in the early 1970's - such as opening a record store - are quite heartbreaking when juxtaposed with the prejudice that greets them. Yet, to the credit of the script, the Asian characters aren't portrayed as mere 'victims', but as multi-dimensional humans with fallibilities like everyone else.

Similarly, the character of Gene Hunt shows new layers in this episode. He comes across as particularly grotesque at times, oozing disgust when Sam states that he has had a relationship with an Asian lady. Yet this is counterbalanced with Gene's earnest admission about his brother's tragic demise due to drugs, despite his efforts.

As for the humour content of the episode, it comes as no surprise to learn that it was written by Guy Jenkin - one half of the team behind the hilariously witty newsroom comedy Drop The Dead Donkey in the 1990s. Just witness some of these Gene one-liners:

“It doesn’t take a degree in Applied Bollocks to know what’s going on.”

“By the time I’ve finished with you, you’re going to be begging for those rabied ferrets to be gnashing on your nuts.”

“He couldn’t catch the clap in a French brothel”

“You great, soft, sissy, girlie, nancy, French bender, Man United supporting puff!”

“I think she’s as fake as a tranny’s fanny”

“You’ve got fingers in more pies than a leper on a cookery course”