I watched most of this series when it was first aired. Such were my fond memories of the gentle, positive, humorous script coupled with the first- class professionalism of an outstanding group of actors, that I recently bought the entire work on DVD. So here's the problem: I've just watched the last episode and it's over! I am bereft!! I'm sure that all the crew have moved onwards and upwards, as they so richly deserve. But I want more! Oh well. C'est la vie. Anyway my message to you, dear reader is, don't believe all the cynical negatives you will see in certain of these reviews. This series was/is an example of the best TV drama in the World from the best broadcaster at the pinnacle of its powers. And for those who are unsure about the summary given above, it's Latin (well sort of)and says; 'Don't let the b**t*rds grind you down'.

Yes, Night Detective does not have all the flash and violence and outrageous plots that are so common and predictable in the US. I feel like it leaves some imagination for me to use. I like the low key approach and very much like how Don Gilet and the other actors are portrayed. I also like that the characters are actually believable. I tire of seeing people portrayed never making a mistake and there is no way a real person can relate to the character because he/she doesn't exist in the real world. Watching the season finally I thought it was very exciting and had twists and again left us wondering if Nicky an Claire are ever going to get hooked up. The addition of Mark Jones was an excellent move and the expanding role of Andrew Dunn and Emma Cleasby has added some fun to the series. Both are very likable characters. I myself am tired of most US police/detective shows. Except for CSI/Miami/Las Vegas. I go out of my way to watch any detective show from the UK and have not been disappointed.

Was 55 Degrees North the precursor for The Night Detective? I'm totally hooked to this show! It has only been on BBC America for two weeks and I would rather watch it than CSI: Miami. Tonight's episode, where Don Gilet's character, Nicky, is asked to strip -- not once, but twice -- I must admit I will tune in every Monday night to see what happens next! I enjoy the fact that the Night Detective seems realistic; there are no story lines that feel forced or out of sync. I like the racial dynamic, especially in the series' opening scene, and as an American, I think a lot more Americans could learn a thing or two about coexisting with those that are "different" than ourselves. But getting off of my soap box, it doesn't hurt that Don Gilet is cute. He's got this boy-next-door feel. I'm really digging this show! Does anyone know how I can go about finding 55 Degrees North on DVD? Is it as easy as going to my local video store and finding it on the shelf?

Don Gillet has made a decent fist of his first starring role but this drama is no classic. Spender was more groundbreaking 10 years ago and set in the same place. I don't understand the significance of the Uncle/Uncle/Nephew arrangement but I'm sure I will be left wondering.Andrew Dunn is good as he is in Dinnerladies and the angry chief cliché is about 40 years old now, change the record. Dunn's sidekick, Clarky, is annoying and the lad who plays him was better a Oz's gay son in Aufweidersehn Pet 3. Gillet stands out for me but maybe because he is young and black and all other detective shows have middle aged detectives doing the same thing.Enjoyable Tuesday night stuff but if I had Spender DVD's I'd probably pop them in instead.