TV episode review
UK airdate 30 April 2010 (BBC One)

WARNING: Contains possible spoilers!

The mystery over Sam Tyler's death deepens when two old colleagues from Manchester arrive at Fenchurch East...

From the opening Shaft pastiche featuring some of John Simms' best moments as Sam Tyler, this episode is dominated by Alex's investigation into her predecessor's death. Why is Gene being so obstructive? Why does he destroy Sam's personal effects? And what is the "secret" that he whispers at the end? Is it feasible that Sam isn't really dead?

What should be the A plot – why are Manchester cops Litton and Bevan really after chubby past-it comedian Frank Hardwick? – sometimes gets a bit of short shrift as a result. Fans of Jim Keats will be surprised at his more passive role this episode, at least until the closing shock scene, which once again begs the question whether the changes to the police force in the 1980s saw the pendulum swing the wrong way.

Amid the drama, there's quite a bit of fun to be had. Camille Coduri (Doctor Who's Jackie Tyler) enjoys a small role while Roy Hudd's performance as Frank Hardwick epitomises the Bernard Manning school of comedy that was feeling the pinch from the 1980s alternative comedy circuit (although there's a rare gag from Alex's 21st Century viewpoint puncturing their pretensions).

With Ray also having a 'seeing stars' moment (please let this be an attack on the US version of Life on Mars, rather than an indication that the creators are following the same path), the final three episodes have much to deliver. Paul Simpson

VERDICT: 7/10