THE last series ended with a shootout at Durham Cathedral but George Gently and sidekick Bacchus are back. However, things are changing as the Swinging 1960s give way to the more cynical 1970s.

Following the shooting which nearly cost both men their lives, Bacchus has lost his confidence. Gently is shocked when the formerly ambitious sergeant hands in his resignation, but is determined to do his best to set his protege back on track, although he doesn’t do so in a particularly compassionate manner.

Convincing Bacchus that he needs his help on one last case while he works out his notice, Gently takes him along to investigate a death in custody. The victim was arrested after Newcastle police’s efforts to clear out a slum resulted in riots, but after spending a night in the cells, was discovered dead the following morning.