TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
Silent Witness : Complete BBC Series 2
Series 2 aired on television originally in 1997 and includes 8 episodes of four two-parters: Blood, Sweat and Tears; Cease Upon the Midnight; Only the Lonely; Friends Like These.
RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £6.99 (subject to change)
Editorial
DVD Description
Silent Witness is a long-running, compelling series which uses a unique blend of crime mystery, science and detection. Forensic pathologist Dr Sam Ryan (Amanda Burton) has an all-embracing, passionate notion of justice which quite often does not accord with the police’s objective of getting a conviction. This can lead to trouble, both in her personal and professional lives, but to Sam, each dead body deserves nothing but the truth.
Editorial
Synopsis
Driven forensic pathologist Dr Sam Ryan has relocated from London, back to Cambridge in order to be closer to her family and to begin a new post at a teaching hospital. This second series finds Sam working on a multitude of different cases and confronting serious issues such as euthanasia killings and the London underworld, all the while she must come to terms with the reappearance of an old flame.
Gripping crime stories and the understated, but powerful performance by Amada Burton creat perfect evening entertainment
Review date: 2008-08-14 Rating: 10 out of 10
Silent Witness is a long-running British television thriller series made by the BBC's in-house Drama Serials production department. As it is created by Nigel McCrery,a former murder squad detective, and based on real forensic pathologist from Sheffield one gets an impressive ring of reality.
The series is often criticised for showing the pathologist actively investigating the crime which is not a pathologist duty. I feel that is an unfair criticism as this is not a documentary on the work of pathologists but a "crime novel". Who would critise Agatha Christie for having Miss Marple investigating crimes when usually old spinster do not do that?
Each new case is original, well constructed and thoughtfully presented, addressing specific and often controversial issues. Unlike some American drama, the focus is on the storyline and character development. The stories are told with care, in detail, with real empathy, unlike the quick, crude, flashy effects in many series. They are challenging - plots and subplots intertwine cleverly, meaning it's not a "background" show, but one which is completely consuming for the viewer.
The theme music for Silent Witness is a song called "Silencium" by John Harle sticks in one's ears.
I enjoyed the understated, but powerful performance of the "hero" Amada Burton, complemented by the other member of the cast. I believe she got even better in the second series. It is more rounded, the character evolved and does not remain static, like Amanda's relationship.
All in all, I immensely enjoyed the second series.
Similar Products
- Silent Witness : Complete BBC Series 1 [1996]
- Waking The Dead : Complete BBC Series 5 [2005]
- Waking The Dead - Series 4 [2001]
- Lewis - Series 2 - Complete [2007]
- Waking The Dead : Complete BBC Series 3 [2001]
Reviews
A long time coming.......but worth it
Review date: 2007-09-17 Rating: 10 out of 10
Why do the BBC keep delaying their release dates? This dvd was due out last year and has only just been released. So, was it worth that wait - you bet it was. Amanda Burton return as forensic pathologist Dr Sam Ryan. Series 2 of Silent Witness contains 4 stories each with two parts. Unlike the Dutch release which cobbled the 2 part stories together.
The first story Blood, Sweat And Tears concerns the death of a boxer and a series of deaths and accidents related to the gym where he trained.
The second story Cease Upon The Midnight is about the supicious death of a terminally ill man.
The next story Only The lonely sees Dr Ryan investigating the strangulation of a woman with her own tights. The m o seems similar to an old case.
The final story Friends Like These sees Dr Ryan at odds with her Police collegues over the investigation of an old woman beaten to death. The police think they have their man but Sam is not so sure.
The stories are well written and very enjoyable. There are some new characters like Detective Superintendent Peter Ross who is an ex lover of Dr Ryan's and once again the sparks fly. I only hope that the BBC start to release the rest of the series alot quicker. So come on BBC 2 Entertain get your scates on. We want more classic Silent Witness like this !
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Adrian Lester
Christopher Fairbank
Amanda Burton
Joe Absolom
Creators:
Amanda Burton (Primary Contributor)
Joe Absolom (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503212322
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-09-17
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 379 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)