While having moments of greatness, 'Taggart' was on the whole just not the same in the Burke period. Especially the later episodes, where there was a real sense of the show having gotten tired from running out of ideas and lost what made the Taggart and Jardine eras as good as they were. As said, there were great latter Burke period episodes, such as "Pinnacle". There were also bad ones, a notable example being "Genesis" (one of the worst episodes to me).
"Judgement Day" is a strong example of the moments of greatness talked about. It is a fine episode with some great much needed development for Burke that was overdue, and easily one of the best Burke episodes. Along with "Compensation", "A Death Foretold" and "Pinnacle". It also stands out for its emotional impact, not seen before to this extent on 'Taggart' since "A Death Foretold", and for one of the most shocking denouments in a while.
My only complaint actually is the now rather out of date and not very well fitting music. It was fine in the 80s and 90s and fitted then, at this point it was at odds with the action and like 10 plus years too late.
Other than that, "Judgement Day" has a huge amount to like and even love. The photography is both gritty yet moody, very well suited to the story's style, and the location is striking yet suitably unforgiving. The theme tune is hard to forget and still works, it's the background music that doesn't work and there has been nothing held against the theme tune.
Writing is thoughtful and entertaining, while also not holding back on the uncompromising grit. The subject matter is a harrowing one, certainly the most hard hitting one of the show in a while, and it's a subject matter that is handled with poignancy and no signs of sugar coating. The denouement is shocking, but not in a cheap or exploitative way, and the story is not obvious or convoluted. One of the few from the late Burke period where that didn't have a story that suffered from those problems.
Really appreciated the development for Burke in one of his most personal case (his most personal perhaps?) and the team interaction is cohesive and tastefully done. The episode is well paced too, taking its time to breathe while still having momentum.
Acting is very good, with Alex Norton giving one of his best performances of the show and his best performance since "Compensation". A powerful performance that is more nuanced than what is usually seen with him when he was on 'Taggart'. Ewan Stewart gives the best supporting performance of the show in a long time and the chemistry between Norton and Stewart hits hard.
In conclusion, fine episode. 9/10.