DCI Banks: Season 1

DCI Banks is that chief inspector whose investigations both past and present all seem to run together at times like tendrils of smoke from a fire until he can trace them to their origin and make an arrest. A boat fire to cover up an art theft turns into a double murder when a second burned body is found floating in the river. That leads to an even more heinous crime. Then his own medical examiner is falsifying her findings to cover her own crimes. And on it goes. The acting is excellent and the scenes of the English countryside are stunning.

We read all of Peter Robinson's DCI Banks books last summer ahead of buying the TV series. We loved the books! And eagerly await the next installment. When we finished, we bought the TV series. I suspect we would have enjoyed the TV series more if we had watched it before reading the books. The series is very loosely based on the book characters and generally follows some of the story lines of the books, but in general, the TV series fails to do the books justice. We will watch for new seasons of the show and will get them, but we are more eagerly awaiting the next book.

I rated this series five stars easily . It's one of the toughest and grittiest crime dramas I've ever seen , it's very well written & performed. This three part series follows DCI Allan Banks , a no nonsense detective & along with his assistant DS Annie Cabbot they press thru all the tangled clues & evidence to catch the killers before they strike again . The last epesode hits close to home as Banks searches for his bosses daughter with an ending that will leave you speachless . I would only recomend this series for adult viewers due to it's mature content. An oustanding drama!

We had heard about this series- via a friend. You know two girls talking and discussing about murder mysteries, and the star from "Baley Kiss Angel" you know! The priest!??? I was told how good the series was and was not disapointed, and cannot wait for the next one to go on sale..It has good actors in it, adventure and his amazing deductional skill's, if that is a word. My husband and I watched the 2 dvd's in about 2 days, so the first series was quick but worth it.Thanks again, Sue & Steve Sanders.

I can't say enough about this show. I love DCI Banks and believe he is the epitome of a policeman. He can be tough when he needs to be, but has a heart of gold. I spent many years in law enforcement and have worked with a lot of hardnosed, yet kindly officers. If you watch season one, you will be hooked. DCI Banks was clearly born for that job.

Good show

The Brits have a way of producing excellent TV series in a variety of genres. If you enjoy this type of series this will not disappoint. I plan on getting series 2. No point in rambling on about the acting plots etc they are too subjective surface it to say if you LIKE George Gently, Foyles War, Blue Murder, Last Detective you will enjoy this

Although I enjoyed it, I would not buy another.

i missed this when it was on TV and had been ooooh and aaaaaaaahing about whether to buy it or not, but after reading reviews on here, i took a chance and thank god i did. the pilot two parter aftermath started off well, did kinda lose it at some points (not in a bad way) still enjoyable. then the Playing with fire, which was brilliantly enjoyable. kept you guessing.Friend of The devil another fantastic episode which has a link with the pilot episode (aftermath)then the final one Cold is the grave which in my opinion is the best one, and i am hoping for a second series. the acting, directing is brilliant and well adapted from Peter Robinson's DCI Bank novel series. i thought this type of show was dying, after wire in the blood had finished and their hasnt really been any really absorbing detective dramas in awhile. Stephen Tompkinson who i know from BBC's old show In Deep. plays DCI Banks well, though a bit emotionless at times. i havent read any of the novels so i dont know if it keeps to the books or not. so again i am happy that this exists. as waking the dead, wire in the blood, messiah, have all but faded out. with most channels more concerned with ratings and the pointless reality shows yada yada yada... am glad to have taken a chance on this show. great drama from ITV... all we need now is more. i would like to see some adaptations of Peter James Roy Grace novels. but hey have to wait and see...... hope this review is helpful, sorry havent done any of the plots to the stories. im just lazy :)

Received DVD yesterday. had already seen Playing with Fire, Cold As The Grave, and Friends of the Devil on TV, so I checked the quality and subtitles (I am HOH) and was extremely satisfied with both. The bonus was, of course, Aftermath, which was a welcome addition as I had not managed to see it on TV. Great for fans of Banks. Don't read the novels first-see the TV and then read the novels! I did, and it doesn't detract my enjoyment!

I did not see this series when it was first broadcast but heard a lot of good things about it. As a result I bought all five of the series but bought them separately as, being hard of hearing, I needed to have English subtitles.I have not been disappointed and would recommend the series.

Music magpie always buy from them where I can because you are guaranteed a quick delivery efficient service and an excellent product when you buy with them.

This first series of D.I. Banks I feel is the best. They very closely follow the plots of the books and Stephen Tomkinson fills the role perfectly from the get go. There are gripping storylines and some chilling scenes but there is also humour in the script and the 'cop with a conscience' D.I. Banks has a satisfyingly ambiguous relationship with Annie Cabot. The procedure is spot on and the acting very good. But it is the relationship between the main characters which makes you reach for the next episode.