[1] The two episodes drew a strong average of 6.55 million viewers, twice becoming the fifth most-watched programme on the ITV network that week.
These consisted of three two-part episodes based on the novels Playing with Fire, Friend of the Devil and Cold is the Grave.
[5] Several new characters were introduced in Series 2, including Alan Banks' parents, Arthur (Keith Barron) and Ida Banks (Polly Hemmingway); DI Helen Morton (Caroline Catz), who fills in for DS Annie Cabbot while she is on maternity leave; and Chief Superintendent (CS) Ron McLaughlin (Nick Sidi), replacement for CS Gerry Rydell, who left when exposed as being corrupt at the end of the first series.
[9] Series 3 sees the departure of DS Jackman (Lorraine Burroughs); however Jack Deam returns to the series as DS Blackstone, Nick Sidi reprises his role as CS McLaughlin, and Danny Rahim joins the cast as DC Lang.
It was also notable for being the first series which consists of entirely unique stories for television, choosing not to adapt any further novels by Robinson.
[12] Noel Farragher was originally confirmed as the writer for the second story, but was replaced by Nicholas Hicks-Beach for reasons unknown.
[14] Chris Murray was originally confirmed as the writer for the first story, but was replaced by Nicholas Hicks-Beach for reasons unknown.
In the United States (and Canada through cable feeds), the series was made available on many PBS stations, delayed a few weeks after UK broadcast.