There are many people with thoughts on Martin Shaw. I initially saw him as Judge Deed, and as not the best Commander Dalgliesh. This is not an attack on this excellent actor, but more on his predecessor Roy Marsden who shaped the role.

Mr. Shaw as Judge Deed might seem as a first step why people would be a fan of his work, but a quick tour on the work he has done shows that Mr. Shaw has been very visible for almost half a century in different fields of acting. Some might remember him as the Doctor enjoying life (and nurses) in Doctor in the house, But he did not stop at the patients ward. He has been all over the place, from a friendly neighbourhood location called Coronation street, to being a CI5 spook in the professional. Martin has seen pretty much every corner of of the British Television realm. Looking back, i reckon that Judge Deed will be a crowning piece of work. This drama, masterful played, and with the depth that makes us look forward to a new episode. The series which seems to have abruptly ended in 2007, hopefully not permanent; as Martin seems to draw in the public, suddenly aware that watching the law might be great value in entertainment. But even if the series ends, with his participation in Apperitions and George Gently it is sure that we will see more in Martin in the time and years to come.