by Kate Matthews

This sequence demonstrates Matlock Police’s procedural emphasis, as the police follow a line of inquiry about Les Baker. The pace is snappy as they progress full circle from a first interview with Les to a second interview based on new information. Rather than stick to interiors, the scene with the model aeroplane adds visual variety and a touch of humour to the interview process.

Meanwhile, cutaways to the hospital and riverbank keep the hippies as suspects fresh in our minds, although they are not yet known to the police. The juxtaposition of the line ‘Who could do a thing like that?’ with sinister hippie Vin lurking in the bushes while suspicious music plays, is a none-too-subtle way of underlining this, although it could be a red herring.

Pate’s performance style is slightly reminiscent of the US hard-boiled detective tradition (Pate had returned from a career in the States). However, it is combined with a country-style emphasis on an informal approach and use of local knowledge, in evidence when Maddern suggests they ‘have a yarn’ with a witness newcomer Curtis didn’t know about.

Locations are shot on film and studio scenes on video and the difference in stock is particularly visible here in a cut from the model-aeroplane field to the police station.