Without a doubt "Trial and Retribution IX" is the best of the series to date. Superb contributions by all concerned. This episode is unmissable. Miss La Plante goes from strength to strength. Her characters are so utterly believable and her killer here exudes so much evil (with a smile), that I couldn't help shuddering, and I'm a hardened thriller and "whodunnit" freak. She also manages with complete ease (which must be irritating for lesser writers), to put into context the plights of both police and victims alike, and highlights what a difficult job our guardians of law and order have.
The lady is such a genius of the genre, (and if she'll forgive the slightly sexist remark) the best master-craftsman of the day. If there is a down side to the production, it's only a personal one. I do so hate the use of split-screen camera work. Happily in this case it wasn't too irritating. I'm given to understand that "Trial and Retribution X (The Sins of the Father)" is currently in production, so I look forward to its screening with relish.