I agree entirely with jdhb.
The earlier episodes with Amanda Burton acting and storytelling reflected trends of the time, which are dated today, but were acceptable as reflections of the time. When the series became ensemble-focused, it was enjoyable. Billing rotated, so no one actor out ranked another, at least not officially. When Tom Ward left, Emily Fox's on-screen presence elevated until she finally became top billed for the duration--the proverbial beginning of the end, as it were. The show has become increasingly less enjoyable or tolerable as it is now dominated by a sanctimonious Nikki (Emilia Fox).
Some storylines over the years were a bit silly, particularly ones with globetrotting. Why did the Lyell Center need to go to Africa? Oh, and why doesn't Nikki have a South African accent if that's where she was raised? William Gaminara's final episodes when the Lyell Center team "goes to Afghanistan." It's as if they are Hope, Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour galivanting across the globe for no substantive reason whatsoever, other than to be entitled "civilized," first world people slumming with, and condescending to the natives. (That said, his, Gaminara's, departure is a loss.) In this particular adventure, Nikki was all kinds of self righteous and judgmental of local values, reality, and ways of life. Likewise, David Caves' character's first means to resolve any conflict is with toxic masculinity and physical violence. Seriously?
Finally, forensic and pathology personnel are not cops. They don't travel (even to Scotland) to engage in cases. Yes, CSI did this too--allowing the science geeks to carry guns and conduct suspect interviews. It is a lazy means to create pseudo and unrealistic drama.
To the producers, please return to this show's roots, as a team of actors playing scientists who use their profession and brainpower toward crime-solving.
The earlier episodes with Amanda Burton acting and storytelling reflected trends of the time, which are dated today, but were acceptable as reflections of the time. When the series became ensemble-focused, it was enjoyable. Billing rotated, so no one actor out ranked another, at least not officially. When Tom Ward left, Emily Fox's on-screen presence elevated until she finally became top billed for the duration--the proverbial beginning of the end, as it were. The show has become increasingly less enjoyable or tolerable as it is now dominated by a sanctimonious Nikki (Emilia Fox).
Some storylines over the years were a bit silly, particularly ones with globetrotting. Why did the Lyell Center need to go to Africa? Oh, and why doesn't Nikki have a South African accent if that's where she was raised? William Gaminara's final episodes when the Lyell Center team "goes to Afghanistan." It's as if they are Hope, Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour galivanting across the globe for no substantive reason whatsoever, other than to be entitled "civilized," first world people slumming with, and condescending to the natives. (That said, his, Gaminara's, departure is a loss.) In this particular adventure, Nikki was all kinds of self righteous and judgmental of local values, reality, and ways of life. Likewise, David Caves' character's first means to resolve any conflict is with toxic masculinity and physical violence. Seriously?
Finally, forensic and pathology personnel are not cops. They don't travel (even to Scotland) to engage in cases. Yes, CSI did this too--allowing the science geeks to carry guns and conduct suspect interviews. It is a lazy means to create pseudo and unrealistic drama.
To the producers, please return to this show's roots, as a team of actors playing scientists who use their profession and brainpower toward crime-solving.