ALEX Drake takes the long way home in the final episode of Ashes To Ashes.
Philip Glenister and Keeley Hawes said it would be a very good and satisfying ending.
They weren’t wrong.
The final hour of series one, written by Ashley Pharoah, is a classic.
Among many highlights is a speech from the unbreakable Gene Hunt destined to be carved in the annals of TV history.
He also provides a last line to warm the hearts of Gene fans across the globe.
Chris ends up locked in a cell with, among others, Lord Scarman and music star Tom Robinson.
As with Life On Mars, there are echoes and mirrors from the very first episode.
And a revelation that turns Alex’s view of the world upside down, much like the camera angle in the opening moments some eight weeks ago.

As the episode begins, it’s Friday October 9 1981 – the day before Alex’s parents were killed in a car bomb near her school.
Can she save them? And what of little Alex (Lucy Cole) pictured above?
Shaz is still unconscious in hospital after her return from “death” in episode seven.
Sitting at her bedside, Alex muses: “I wonder if this world will continue after I’ve gone?”
How will we bear the wait until series two in 2009?

Here are some other things to look out for in yet another piece of brilliant television:
1) What does Arthur Layton know?
2) Alex finally meeting her father.
3) A very charming man.
4) The pink tank.
5) A Caroline Price revelation.
6) The Last Supper – Gene and Alex’s dinner date.
7) The Guv completely baffled by women.
8) Bolly’s nod to Gene Hunt fangirls everywhere.
9) A phone call for Alex.
10) Gently Does It.
11) Alex In Wonderland.
12) “You never see what you want to see.”
13) The identity of the person Layton spoke to on his mobile.
14) A guardian angel.
Ashes To Ashes is screened on BBC1 at 9pm next Thursday.
Just one episode eight music video this week.
Scroll down the page for further links.
Roger Hodgson: Take The Long Way Home