PBS' 'Masterpiece Mystery': Inspector Lewis returns
If you missed last week's premiere of the new batch of "Inspector Lewis" episodes on PBS' "Masterpiece Mystery," you weren't alone. Pledge drives pre-empted "Counter Culture Blues" in some markets, including Chicago. But while you still have time to catch that episode online (PBS.org), don't miss Sunday's second episode, "The Dead of Winter" (9 p.m. Eastern, Sept. 5, but check your local listings).
The "Lewis" franchise is an extension of the popular "Inspector Morse" series, after the death of both the character Morse and the actor who played him, John Thaw. Thames Valley (UK) Police Inspector Robert Lewis (Kevin Whately) is out from under the shadow of the legendary Morse and has his own No. 2, the enigmatic Sgt. James Hathaway (Laurence Fox).
In "The Dead of Winter," we learn a little of Hathaway's past when he and Lewis are dispatched to an Oxford country estate that may have been the scene of a murder. Hathaway lived on the estate as a child, wedged somewhere between upstairs and downstairs, and his old relationships threaten to become entwined with the murder investigation. But Lewis isn't about to let that happen, even as he continues to grieve for his late wife and take tentative steps toward a possible romance with medical examiner Laura Hobson (Clare Holman).
The team of Lewis and Hathaway lacks the feistiness and occasional flashes of brilliance of Morse and Lewis. But we do get plenty of the familiar class conflicts between inspector and sergeant. There's a welcome hint of Morse in Hathaway's Cambridge-educated theology-student-turned-detective, and Lewis is still a bit of a likeable plodder. Together, though, they always get their man.
Longtime "Mystery" fans will be amused in the episode's opening scenes, when a familiar face turns up during a historical re-enactment of an English Civil War skirmish. Nathanial Parker (Inspector Lynley in a different "Mystery" series) guests as one of the history buffs who winds up on the wrong end of a loaded musket.
"The Dead of Winter" will be followed by three more "Inspector Lewis" episodes, "Dark Matter" Sept. 12, "Your Sudden Death Question" Sept. 19, and "Falling Darkness" Sept. 26. Next up: Three new episodes of "Wallander," beginning Oct. 3.
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Photo credit: PBS
Not on my PBS station, Blue Ridge Public Television. We will be having "Fall Festival." Funny thing. BR PTV runs lots of commercial advertising, such as a Mercedes ad.
If we can't have Morse, Robbie Lewis is the next best thing. Rest in Peace, Endeavour!
Last week's ep had a nice salute to Morse in it. Lewis and Hathaway went to the pub to 'think' like Morse.
I enjoy Lewis. I also enjoyed Poirot earlier this summer.
I saw Counter Culture and really enjoyed it. I didn't think I'd like the Lewis series (I adored Morse)...but it is very good. Well plotted. Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox are great (I love that Lewis is concerned about the general well-being of his Sergeant - in marked contrast to Morse's treatment of Lewis). The supporting casts have been very good, too.
I absolutely love Inspector Lewis but more than that I think James is munchable...He's so intelligent and soft spoken so poised and introverted....He's my special T.V. man.........love, love the shows.............
Love Lewis but cannot abide his sidekick. He seems such a poor choice that I (we) just can't enjoy the series.
Love the Inspector Lewis series. Didn't know about the old Inspector Morse series, but will get it on DVD just to get the background. Every character is great and the the story lines are very well written. Plus...the two sexy stars complete the picture. Lewis has to stop grieving and move on with someone else. Dr. Hobson would be great, but her character needs more development. Maybe show her in her past. A young, wild party girl who men went wild over. Then she decided to calm down and go to school. It would add some depth to her and Lewis would have some fun to look forward to while pursuing her.
I think we did get a look into Laura Hobson's past in Falling Darkness. Alec seemed to still have a huge crush on her. In the scene in the hospital where he asked if she and Lewis were a number then dismisses it by saying No our Laura liked them wilder!! Love the show and hope we will get a bit of romance between Lewis and Hobson.
I loved Inspector Morse,and cried when he died. I've read all his books and have all his movies. I love Lewis and Hathaway and have enjoyed every chapter, now my question is, When will the 5th season start? Will we have any? I'm looking forward to watching it
I read and watched Inspt. Morse
but didn't enjoy it half as much as the Inspt. Lewis series along with the dishey Hathaway. Their DVD'S were one of my very favorite Christmas gifts!!!
Awaiting but not patiently for next season.