H*L* is only offering seasons 18-27, so I can only speak to the show in that season range. So far I've watched seasons 18-20, I will update my review if necessary as I watch: While dated, it held up well enough as a police procedural. Dialogue and production values are decent enough considering it was filmed in the early 2000s. I generally like British television. The cases and the characters tend to be more "real" than the Hollywood versions, and for the most part this is true of Taggart as well---HOWEVER: My biggest gripe with the series is that the tension is artificially generated by the impulsive and often aggressive actions of apparently unstable major characters. This is just lazy writing as the cases, suspects and police sleuthing should be--and ARE interesting enough to carry the show without this added nonsense. Basically I'm just tired of this all too common characterization of any police force--American or British. It's ridiculous and frankly insulting to the viewer. Neither cops or detectives should be shown as being justified in breaking the law to "solve" a case--or abusing suspects. The one thing THIS show did right was to make it clear that these officers do actually make mistakes when they are "sure" they know who is guilty--AND they do (mostly) suffer the consequences of their actions. That raised my score considerably. The characters also repeatedly make the point that they have procedures for good reason, and it raises sometimes dire questions (and consequences) when those procedures aren't followed. But--I absolutely HATE how often the major character YELLS at his subordinates. He's rude and a bully. How would a person like that ever be in a sustained leadership position? He also likes to break the rules--in a "Do as I say, not as I do" fashion--which is completely unfair and ridiculous. Again, how could someone like this keep his job???? I do like that they sometimes show the team as disliking this aspect of their boss, but all too often they wind up defending indefensible behavior. It's so unnecessary! I really, really hope that this particular character doesn't stick around--or that his character arc has him "growing" out of it.Overall the stories are interesting and the dialogue and the acting are decent. If they cut out the neurotic and abusive nonsense by the main characters this would be a terrific show.

I have watched Taggart from the first show. Although we have never received Taggart in the Vancouver area I am in the middle of "Running Out of Time". Is it me? I liked the character of Sgt. Jackie Reid in the earlier shows but now it's as if the show should be retitled, "Jackie's Dreams". Must she always be the conscience? Must she always - I was sure that she was going to find the injured DCI Burke in his canoe about 2 minutes after the programme started. Well, I must go back and see how she solves this one. But, I think that I've reached my limit.Lance M. Jefferson

Fantastic, really a quality drama. I can't believe it's been going for 21 years! Hell it's older than me! I watch Taggart religiously, for the sole purpose of hearing: 'There's been a MURDER!' Really, it brightens up my day when I hear that iconic phrase... Blythe Duff is a brilliant actress, I think she is truly talented. The dynamics between the cast are excellent, they play off each other very well. Best ever episode: Bloodlines. It features lesbians, an aquarium and a guest appearance by the great goddess Michelle Gomez.In summary: Taggart is one hell of a drama series!

Taggart is now officially the longest running cop show on British T.V. and indeed has been on for 3/4 of my lifetime. There are several reasons for its longevity but surely the main one is the underlying grim humour that enhances every episode. While it was undoubtedly at it's peak in the Mark "there's been a muurder" McManus years, it has recently returned to peak form with the introduction Alec Norton as the "heid man." Norton combines McManus's tough demeanor with an acting ability that outweighs his predecessor. But then McManus didn't need to be an Al Pacino, he WAS the character, dour and caustic. The other characters always provided a little colour along with occasionally convoluted personal lives. However the real star in Taggart was always Glasgow. while Glasgow has changed greatly since the '80's the city's character and natural humour always shines through. The title song puts it that "this is no mean town, this is no mean city", well it's obviously a mean enough city to sustain a 22 year murder series without ever really seeming unbelievable like the village of "Midsomer Murder" which has a body count higher than New York's! All in all a good cop show and one that as long as it can keep Alec Norton, should continue for a few more years yet.