The Burke episodes up to this point had been a mixed bag. Starting off shaky but improving with "Blood Money" and "New Life" (if not a return to form). "Halfway House" sadly was a step backwards and a return to the disappointing standard set by the first five Burke-period episodes. So "Eye for an Eye" was an episode that could have gone either way, another step in the right direction or continuing the returning disappointment standard.
It was a relief to see that "Eye for an Eye" was in the former category. Again, not reminiscent of 'Taggart' in its prime, where all the episodes of the 'Taggart' era were good to brilliant and that was true for enough of the Jardine episodes (more the earlier ones though). As far as the Burke-period episodes up to this point go, so this and the previous eight episodes, this was one of the best along with "Bad Blood". Which was the best 'Taggart' episode since "Death Trap" and this actually might be even better.
"Eye for an Eye" isn't perfect. Perhaps a little over-complicated in spots with a few too many twists and turns, had the same feeling about "Bad Blood".
Part of me was surprised too at how long it took for the team to come to the truth about why Stuart had fallen asleep, that was something that really should have been considered straightaway.
However, it is slickly shot and has the right amount of grittiness that fits the tone of the show beautifully. The location has a lot of atmosphere and is like its own character. The music matches all of those qualities and is not over-used, too obvious or intrusive. The main theme is one of the most memorable for any show of its kind. The dialogue provokes thought and has more bite and less flab than in most of the previous Burke episodes. The chemistry between the team has more spark than before and they work more cohesively. Burke is strict but not as obnoxious or as much of a bully as he was when he first took over. The acting is good from leads and supporting.
Felt very sorry for Stuart in "Eye for an Eye" and it was great to see more of him, and see Colin McCredie shine for the first time in too long. Also liked how Jackie and Robbie (especially Jackie) were sympathetic to him. Did think at first that Burke's anger was a little over-the-top, but pondering on it as the truth was not yet revealed and considering the seriousness of the situation it was not uncalled for. The story has a lot going on, with lots of suspects, a number of motives and a lot of twists (though maybe a few too many), so nothing was what it seems and it made it more difficult to figure out who the murderer was. One of the murders, in the hospital, was a clap hands to the mouth moment.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10