The series 29 finale of Silent Witness has sparked a divided response from viewers, with many taking to social media to express frustration over a new stylistic choice in the BBC drama.
Fans were left confused by the inclusion of so-called "philosophical" voice-overs and introspective narration throughout the latest episodes of the long-running show, with numerous viewers describing the feature as "unnecessary."
The feature hadn't been used before, and it didn't take long for fans to share their feedback.
One viewer posted on X: "What was with all the philosophical narration throughout this week's #SilentWitness? Spoilt what was, otherwise, a cracking storyline. Really liked the 'Gene Hunt' character... proper old school."
Silent Witness fans were divided by the series 29 finale
|BBC
"The whole introspection thing is strange. #silentwitness," a second agreed while a third weighed in: "Yeah, didn't enjoy it... Felt a bit over-indulgent and unnecessary."
Someone else asked: "#SilentWitness #bbc What's with the philosophical voice overs? We don't need it..."
Another viewer had a complaint of a different sort. "Odd #SilentWitness series. Out of sequence (hence Jack's inconsistent beard status and the lack of jeopardy when he ended up in the jug - we all knew he got out), a finale that wasn't (odd voiceovers and all) + lazy criticism of AI," they began.
"Thank God for Sean Gilder. Make him a regular," the viewer assessed.
Some BBC viewers felt Silent Witness' new feature was 'overindulgent'
|BBC
Another fumed: "#SilentWitness is a crushing borefest! Last week Jack’s personal psycho drama was excruciatingly dull!
"This week Nikki pontificating in soft tones and talking absolute pish! Kit the only bright spot! Show is DOA and no post Mortum is required. Cancel it please! @BBC."
However, there were also fans that welcomed the change and left positive reviews of the finale, with one viewer commenting: "It still baffles me how these writers can continue to come up with such amazing, twisty-turny storylines whilst also including Nikki & Jack’s stories.
"Even 1 or 2 series of that is impressive but next year will be the 30th series!? That’s some talent right there. #SilentWitness." (sic)
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Silent Witness' 29th series wrapped up this week
|BBC
"What an amazing last episode to end this series! It's been such a rollercoaster and has felt so different to others. I won't lie, I'm loving seeing Nikki settled and happy (minus one episode ofc!) #silentwitnes," another applauded.
The episodes opened with a body recovered from a river, initially believed to be Mei Li, a 23-year-old Hong Kong activist with a bounty on her head from authorities there.
The real Mei Li was subsequently found alive at her parents' restaurant, revealing the deceased was actually Na Chen, a Chinese national who had stolen intellectual property from Harvard.
Meanwhile, a new character named Helen befriended Nikki under false pretences before drugging her and taking her to a remote farm building.
The BBC hasn't yet confirmed a 30th series of Silent Witness
|BBC
Helen and her accomplice, Linda, were revealed to be attempting to steal technology, using Nikki's credentials to infiltrate the Bowman Centre's systems before their eventual arrest.
The long-running BBC show hasn't confirmed whether a 30th series will be on the cards as of yet, but it seems likely the milestone will be reached.