Because the Marquess era went too far with sensationalist & extremely far-fetched stories & characters.

The first year of the Marquess era wasn't too bad, aside from the Des firebomb stuff & Chandler's downfall. But the madness took over from 2003 onwards and that's why it's generally hated.

Does anyone know why The Bill on Watch has gone from Series 16 episode 18 today, straight to Series 21 episode 97 which starts on Monday. I'm really upset, ive been watching for a couple of months now and getting into it.

Does anyone know where i can watch Series 16?

Why? No idea, I'm afraid but Series 16 is currently showing on UK TV Drama. Unfortunately the next episode in the run on that channel, Monday at 11:00, is #83 (Complicity Pt 2) so you will be taking a leap forward and missing a whole chunk of episodes in which Sun Hill was transformed almost out of recognition. There are also 4 episodes from earlier in the week repeating tomorrow, Sunday.
Last edited by Ken Tun : 19-07-2014 at 05:41

Drama is on series 17

Oops, so it is! I'd lost track.

There are random episodes on YouTube.

Plus, there's also the DVD box sets.

Personally I thought the serial rapist storyline was excellent stuff. I've seen it at least 3 times and enjoyed watching it on each occasion. It was the time when it seemed an original storyline - unlike the attempts from Marquess in 2004 and Jonathan Young in 2006!

I've actually found the new dynamic of CID quite interesting, though individually the characters certainly aren't as good. I do wish Handford had been given the time to perhaps try and turn things around though.

There are some good dynamics - I like Kate and Mickey working together. Also Debbie is a strong character. Chandler is one of the best characters the show ever had in my opinion. A great actor who plays him. I don't mind Alex Cullen either and his interactions with Chandler. The only new CID characters I don't like are Paul Riley and Vik Singh.

I just watched Cryer's leaving episode - a fantastic episode and a great exit for the character, I think. I love his speech and him standing up to Chandler at the end. Great stuff.

hi can anybody confirm exactly which episode number watch have started with today at 10am, sky guide says ser 21 ep 97, though the synopsis matches ep 96 according to wikipedia???

Radio Times seems to think it's S21 ep 97 too. I'd like to know what the hell Watch are playing at as well - the Beech saga was one of the highpoints of the whole series, of which I missed a fair few, and would love to see the whole thing. Not only that, but cutting off series 16 right then, a third of the way through a three-part story, just seems very arbitrary and makes no sense whatsoever. Apart from anything else, the stuff they're repeating now was only on Watch about two years ago.

Just watched the one where Nick was moving out of home, is his Dad or his Mother Different ?

Not sure but his dad was played by Ray Lonnen, who passed away last week.

Well Watch have well and truly screwed my experience of watching The Bill , i recorded todays episode in the hope there had been a mix up and that they were showing Series 16, only to find it really is Series 21, i gave series 21 about 10 minutes before switching it off. I even recorded the episodes from Drama channel, but its like reading a book with all the middle pages missing, pointless.

Thanks Watch

Oh did he, RIP Ray Lonnen, condolences to all family and friends.

Good episode today

Reg to the fore which makes a change, crime being stopped largely due to him.

His low level revenge on Nick for taking over the running of the party

But unfortunately being accused of murder at the end

Since Watch channel has let me down, ive joined the Drama episodes, at least most of the old lot are still there, although i'm not keen on the newbies, i suppose it will take me a while to get used to them.

I was going to give up on The Bill, but i have become addicted to it over the last couple of months , so i shall be sticking with series 17.

I gave series 21 on Watch just one episode, the later series of The Bill are dreadful

Just watched the episode, was it her supposed adopted daughter that killed her, which i presume was the woman that buzzed to be let in, but left when Reg went to the door.

All will be revealed in tomorrow's episode

Back in 2001 these two episodes were shown as a single feature length episode

Swearing in todays episode on Drama,,, "Bullshit" was said twice , it doesnt bother me, but i was surprised they didnt bleep it.

Especially when Dave bleeped out the word Frock the other night

Drama and Yesterday are very quick to bleep out "bastard" in One Foot in the Grave" - and that's not even a swearword!

Yeah, fair play to drama for leaving that in. They don't half make some odd decisions though in terms of what stays and what goes!

Anyway excellent episode today - so sneaky of Chandler to put Meadows in the firing line once Cullen had given them that warning but great to see Jack fighting back. I think that is one of my favourite episodes of 2001.

Is Chandler higher rank than Meadows?, has Chandler took over Brownlows role?, its got confusing since i was on series 16 on Watch

Strange that Watch have jumped so far forward, maybe the ratings weren't too good?? At least we can rely on Drama to carry on.

Yes, Chandler was higher rank (Chief Super) than Meadows (DCI). Chandler took over from Brownlow. Have to say 2001-2002 was probably my favourite period of The Bill. Remember watching the Reg episodes when he was in the frame for murder - summer 2001 - how time flies!