As The Observer's TV magazine of 25th April 2004 said "This feature length episode of the Scottish crime drama is better than most big-budget crime films you see at the cinema. Superbly directed, filmed and scripted, it's a story which combines politics, local history and murder mystery to devastating effect...An absolute must." Fine direction from Alan MacMillan, returning to Taggart after a few year's absence. Wonderful script from Mike Cullen. Check out the performances of Nick Farr, Mathew Bill Boyd, Gordon Brown and Shonagh Price. The regulars are in great form too - especially Alec Norton. The best episode in recent years.
2 Reviews
Compensation most deadly
TheLittleSongbird26 May 2020
No bias is intended, with "Compensation" being one of my first 'Taggart' episodes and one of the ones that got me into the show in the first place. My first exposure to the show was with the early Burke era episodes, but overtime there is quite a big preference for the Taggart and Jardine episodes. Some of the Burke episodes are good and got better on re-watch, others diminished over-time and there were others too that didn't do a lot for me.
"Compensation" always struck me as one of the good ones, because of how gut-wrenching and emotionally impactful it was, and actually find it even better now. Despite it not being an easy watch, remember watching it for the first time and being quite disturbed by it. It's a standout Burke episode (in a hit and miss period), one of the best later 'Taggart' episodes and the best episode for the show for a while. Would even consider it one of the best, and am being serious when saying that.
The photography has the necessary grit and moodiness and the location is striking yet suitably unforgiving. The music matches that perfectly and the main theme is unforgettable. Really love how the team work together, there is a spark between them and the investigative elements are cohesive with some clever evidence. The leads do gel well and all give strong performances. With Alex Norton giving one of his better performances of the show, it was also the first time where Burke was properly interesting and rootable too. The supporting cast are also fine, Matthew Bil Boyd in particular in a performance that chills and wrenches the heart.
It is also a very powerful episode emotionally. The Burke episodes rarely got this harrowing, the case here is unsettling and suspenseful. Nothing is obvious, the motive for the murders cannot be predicted until long into the episode (which for me actually watching murder/detective mysteries is great, providing it is not wasted and it's not here), and the denouement is both tense and shocking. The murders are quite brutal, personally do consider being burnt alive pretty gruesome, even for the Burke period episodes (and the Burke episodes had its fair share of brutal murders).
One in particular has a very suspenseful build up. "Compensation" is not just non-stop shocks though, there are moments that lighten the mood. Stuart and Robbie's bedroom scene is priceless and did give me a good chuckle. The writing is thought-provoking and tight.
Summarising, one of the best later episodes and a show high point. 10/10
"Compensation" always struck me as one of the good ones, because of how gut-wrenching and emotionally impactful it was, and actually find it even better now. Despite it not being an easy watch, remember watching it for the first time and being quite disturbed by it. It's a standout Burke episode (in a hit and miss period), one of the best later 'Taggart' episodes and the best episode for the show for a while. Would even consider it one of the best, and am being serious when saying that.
The photography has the necessary grit and moodiness and the location is striking yet suitably unforgiving. The music matches that perfectly and the main theme is unforgettable. Really love how the team work together, there is a spark between them and the investigative elements are cohesive with some clever evidence. The leads do gel well and all give strong performances. With Alex Norton giving one of his better performances of the show, it was also the first time where Burke was properly interesting and rootable too. The supporting cast are also fine, Matthew Bil Boyd in particular in a performance that chills and wrenches the heart.
It is also a very powerful episode emotionally. The Burke episodes rarely got this harrowing, the case here is unsettling and suspenseful. Nothing is obvious, the motive for the murders cannot be predicted until long into the episode (which for me actually watching murder/detective mysteries is great, providing it is not wasted and it's not here), and the denouement is both tense and shocking. The murders are quite brutal, personally do consider being burnt alive pretty gruesome, even for the Burke period episodes (and the Burke episodes had its fair share of brutal murders).
One in particular has a very suspenseful build up. "Compensation" is not just non-stop shocks though, there are moments that lighten the mood. Stuart and Robbie's bedroom scene is priceless and did give me a good chuckle. The writing is thought-provoking and tight.
Summarising, one of the best later episodes and a show high point. 10/10
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