After re-watching a few episodes that were seen for the first time after 'Taggart' ended, it was good to re-watch one of the episodes watched that didn't do much for me on first or second viewings. One of them being "Do or Die". It never struck me as a favourite, and in all honesty other episodes made and aired at the same time stuck in the head a lot more, the only memorable aspect on first watch was the setting which was quite different for 'Taggart'.
Re-watching "Do or Die" for the third time, since it first aired that is, it still isn't one of my favourite 'Taggart' episodes or an episode that has stuck in my head and never left it (not like "Compensation" or "A Death Foretold"). Either of the Burke period and of the whole show. It is in no way bad, actually like it on the whole now and it has grown on me, and it has enough (well actually a lot) of what makes me like 'Taggart' so much. It has just never bowled me over.
Not all the script is that great, it doesn't always flow and it could have been both bolder. The music at this point had gone down in my estimations, the theme song is good and memorable but the incidental music is too stuck in the 80s.
The story doesn't always grip, with the episode feeling on the routine side to begin with and it is very predictable at times. Was not surprised by the identity of the killer at all, actually the whole reveal was obvious though grippingly staged enough.
Once "Do or Die" picks up, it becomes good enough. It just takes a little time to get to that stage. Enough of the script intrigues and the army setting is put to very good use. The team interaction is always cohesive and there is never a disconnect, with some nice banter and also intensity. Burke took a while to get used to when he first appeared in 'Taggart' but he grew on me and while he is stern and authoritative he is not as much of an abrasive bully now. It is a very well acted episode, lead and supporting. John Michie is very good here and Peter Blake is chillingly sadistic
"Do or Die", as usual for 'Taggart', is well-made visually, with the usual grit and moodiness in the photography. The scenery is both picturesque and unforgiving. The main theme is not one to forget. The story avoids trying to do too much but at the same time it is not too simplistic either, the tone is suitably disturbingly uncompromising.
All in all, pretty good but not great. 7/10.