The Inspector Morse (British) mystery series is based on Colin Dexter’s wonderful series of books. My husband and I are both fans of Dexter’s novels and the television shows. I believe I read some place that when Colin Dexter was approached to make his mystery novels into a television series, he chose John Thaw to portray the very cerebral, very cultured, Oxford-educated Inspector Morse. What perfect casting! Kevin Whately is also perfectly cast as Morse’s Sergeant Lewis.
The series takes place in Oxford (Inspector Morse’s Alma Mater.) It is probably superfluous for me to say the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. This goes without saying since the location is supposed to be Oxford! If you’re into beautiful, old brick buildings with ivy growing up the walls and well-manicured court yards and of course, great mysteries, then you will probably enjoy the Inspector Morse series.
As in most British mysteries, you will be able to enjoy seeing some of Great Britain’s favorite leading men and women in guest starring roles. That is always a particular treat for me! The acting in the Inspector Morse mysteries is very convincing. And the wardrobe is what I envision it should be. Even Inspector Morse’s apartment is exactly what fans of the show would expect it to be. A lot of thought has been put into this series, which allows the viewer to sit back and enjoy the mysteries.
Inspector Morse always gets his man, but hardly ever gets the woman, and usually never follows police protocol. His sergeant is a happily married man with the usual “children worries” and always want to follow the rules. These two make quite a pair!
(I know I have said this before. I sure miss seeing these types of quality mystery shows on my PBS station!)
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Carrie says
I always think that Morse is a nicer character on the tv screen than he is in the books! But if you love these as much as I do, you might like to know that following on from the death of Morse, there is a new series aired over here called Lewis – (Don’t know if this has reached the US yet – or maybe you’ve already seen these.) – Morse’s side-kick family man Lewis returns after a sojourn in Australia or somewhere following the death of his wife, and returns to Oxford to fight crime with his own sidekick – a very attractive if intellectual young chap named Hathaway (played by Laurence Fox of the famous Fox clan – aka Mr Billie Piper) Not quite found it’s footing yet but I’m sure that some good strong writing will enable these two fine actors to really show what they can do.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Carrie,
Yes, we have seen Robbie Lewis in the Inspector Lewis shows… Not very many as of yet… but sure hope they are making more!
By the way, are you all getting any more Last Detective shows, or has that series run its course? I love that series!
Fardog says
The Morse TV series on DVD is not subtitled. This is true with many of the British TV series.
Hard of hearing–I really need these words. 🙁
Fortunately, the British Cozy Mysteries do have words. 🙂
Jill says
Nothing will ever be able to replace “Inspector Morse” – so brilliantly played by the late John Thaw. Colin Dexter certainly knew what he was doing when he insisted that the character be played by Thaw.
I have also been watching the “Inspector Lewis” programs, and am thoroughly enjoying them. I agree with Carrie that it hasn’t quite found its footing yet–and is not yet on a par with the “Morse” series. But the potential is there. It’s quite enjoyable to see that Lewis has finally come into his own, and to see his relationship with Hathaway developing (as we saw Morse’s relationship with Lewis evolve). This is definitely one to watch. Let’s hope they continue to make more episodes.
Shirley says
I am waiting for Series 3 of Inspector Lewis. Thoroughly enjoyable. No one can top Morse (Thaw), but Lewis is a good substitute….like the Fox character as well.
Ksenija says
There is a very similar (to my memory) series staring David Jason (best known for his Performance in Only Fools and Horses). The title is Inspector Frost. I liked the series very much.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ksenija, that would be Inspector Frost. Great shows!
Rye says
Hi all,
If you enjoy Morse then you should really try out Endeavour which is about a young detective Morse and is based in Oxford in the 1960’s. Great series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rye, that’s a good suggestion. The Endeavor series has a different feel about it to me, but it is also very well made.
Patrick says
Dear Rye & Danna,
Season 5 of Endeavour started Sunday February 4.
CFE says
All this about Morse and you don’t mention Foyle’s War! This is a really well-done series meant to occupy Britons after the demise of the Inspector Morse series. It is a wonder in itself, starring Michael Kitchen in the title role, in a series created by Anthony Horowitz. The conceit is that each episode is filmed about the consequences of WWII for a town on the south of England, not that far from Hastings, and the effects on civilian law. By “effects of WWII” I do not mean it in the stuffy sense, but in the sense of some event connected to the war, a piece of relatively obscure history. For example, the first episode centers on how many German residents of England were interned by the UK government early on; another episode centers on the rise of British Fascist movements in the civilian population.
Just beautifully done, good stories, in period.