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» » The Commander: Virus (2005)

Short summary

Commander Blake is still dealing with the aftermath of the James Lampton case. Not only has he pleaded not guilty to the murders for which he is accused, it now means that Blake will have to testify about their sexual relationship. With the added news coverage, Blake finds that the sister of one of Lampton's victims is now stalking her. Blake's own sister, who is terminally ill with cancer, moves in with her. In a separate case, a computer hacker who has gained access to online medical records and changing information is terrorizing St. Barnaby's hospital. His first victim is someone who had a severe allergy to nuts and the second is someone who is allergic to penicillin. The hacker threatens to kill one patient every 24 hours if he doesn't receive 20 million pounds.

Spirits of Salt is just another term for Hydrochloric Acid.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Jake
    ... and I do mean unwatchable as my wife and I had to give up.

    We'd managed to get through the first incredibly painful episode (barely) wondering how we were supposed to believe that a woman this stupid could rise to the position of Commander and then how she could possibly survive all the mistakes she was mistaking without being dismissed from the force (with a slap on the wrist as it turned out: "who's been a naughty girl then? Just don't do it a again and all will be forgiven. Tsk tsk tsk.") We'd thought that things could only get better in this sequel. We were wrong.

    Once again, the plot is beyond belief and the actions of the Blake character impossible to credit. She's being stalked so does she take action? No. There are murders in the hospital so does she call for the tech support that is obviously needed? No because it isn't serious enough (two murders not serious enough???). Does the hospital itself act to shut down the problem internet access? No. Are we expected to believe that the sister would think that Blake would buzz for entry into her own flat instead of using her key (and thereby admit the stalker)? Apparently.

    I'd write more but I'm getting annoyed thinking of all the time we wasted on this drivel. As I said, unwatchable. We gave up after half and hour and I've cancelled my orders for the remainder of the series from our local library. I would suggest others try Burton's earlier "Silent Witness" series which was far better than this nonsense.
  • comment
    • Author: Fordregelv
    Commander Blake is caring for her terminal sister. The Lampton case continues as he pleads not guilty. Embarrassing details of their relationship are publicized. A sister of Lampton's victim is stalking Blake. A hacker has gained access to the records at St. Barnaby's hospital and is causing patient deaths. He threatens to kill one patient every 24 hrs.

    I still don't like the Lampton case coming from the first movie. I would rather the case be settled before this movie. The victim's sister isn't that interesting and serves mostly to remind about the Lampton case. The computer hacking has some compelling drama mostly centering on the incompetent response. The problem is that tapping on the keyboard is not the most dramatic stuff on screen although I still prefer that than the Lampton case.
  • comment
    • Author: Iell
    This would be a perfectly adequate police procedural, but I'm marking it down as it appears to be an identikit paste up of scripts not good enough to be Prime Suspects, and most of all for the gross overuse of hand-held camera. Gives it a documentary feel, torn from today's headlines, right? No. Not only hard to watch but it must mean that someone with inner ear problems had been crouching down everywhere the action takes place, framing too tightly on actor faces. The police HQ, the suspects' and victims' homes, inside cars--everywhere. Would all concerned--cops, villains, subsidiary characters--have invited videographers to capture their every move close up? I'd have amply reasonable doubts.

    It isn't the fault actress' fault that she looks like Hillary Clinton or that they dressed policewomen to look like flight attendants in early 21st century London. But throw in clichés about creepy computer hackers, ethically damaged tabloid reporters and an ill-advised love interest on the part of the main character, and it's going to be a long first season.
  • Credited cast:
    Amanda Burton Amanda Burton - Commander Clare Blake
    Matthew Marsh Matthew Marsh - DCI Mike Hedges
    Poppy Miller Poppy Miller - DI Carol Browning
    Thomas Lockyer Thomas Lockyer - DI Ken Miles
    Pip Torrens Pip Torrens - DCS Les Branton
    Paul Brightwell Paul Brightwell - DS Brian Hall
    Anthony Valentine Anthony Valentine - Edward Sumpter
    Saskia Reeves Saskia Reeves - Eileen Judd
    Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
    Nicholas Ball Nicholas Ball - John Dawson
    Charlie Caine Charlie Caine - DS John Bilkins
    Sean Chapman Sean Chapman - DCI Frank Lane
    Matthew Cottle Matthew Cottle - DC Gareth Buckley
    Jake Curran Jake Curran - Michael Judd
    Sara Dee Sara Dee - Margaret Rawlins
    Ron Donachie Ron Donachie - George Hart
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