Ep 7. An Eye for an Eye Part 1

In the season 1 episode 7 of Taggart, titled "An Eye for an Eye Part 1", the viewers are introduced to a dark and twisted case that shakes up the police force in Glasgow. The episode begins with the kidnapping of a young boy named Ryan Campbell from a public park in the middle of the day. The kidnapper is seen by a few witnesses, but no one is able to identify him or give a clear description of the car used in the crime.

The case is assigned to the Taggart team, led by the tough and uncompromising DCI Jim Taggart (Mark McManus). Taggart is under intense pressure to bring Ryan back home safely, but the trail is cold and there are no leads to follow. Meanwhile, Ryan's parents are distraught with grief and fear, and the police force is criticized for not doing enough.

As the investigation progresses, Taggart and his team discover that Ryan's kidnapping is not an isolated incident. Other children have also been abducted in the same way over the past few years, and their bodies have been found in remote locations outside the city. The police realize that they are dealing with a ruthless and sadistic serial killer who has been operating in the city for years, and they are determined to catch him before he strikes again.

The first half of the episode sets the stage for the investigation, as the police gather evidence, interview witnesses, and try to piece together the kidnapper's timeline and motive. The viewers also get a glimpse into the personal lives of the Taggart team, including DI Jardine (James MacPherson) who is going through a divorce, and DS Reid (Blythe Duff) who is struggling with her own demons.

As the episode comes to a close, there is a major breakthrough in the case. A couple is caught on CCTV footage dumping a car in a river, and when the police investigate, they find evidence that links the car to Ryan's kidnapping. The second part of the episode promises to be even more intense, as Taggart and his team close in on the killer and try to save Ryan before it's too late.

Overall, "An Eye for an Eye Part 1" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. The acting is top-notch, and the writing is sharp and engaging. It's no wonder that Taggart went on to become one of the longest-running detective shows in British TV history.