The Inspector Lynley Mysteries - Set 1
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Movie Reviews of The Inspector Lynley Mysteries - Set 1
Movie Review: Highly recommend!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been thoroughly enjoying this series based upon Ms. George's mysteries, and, frankly, I am surprised at those viewers who have expressed "disappointment" that the video versions have taken some liberties with, or have been edited from, the books upon which they are based. ALL video adaptations of books go through the requisite editing in order to conform to time constraints, but I feel that, in this case, the screenplays are well written, and, above all, well acted. Nathaniel Parker comes to the series with very impressive credentials, from previous sterling portrayals of historic and biblical figures, and of characters from classic literature. In this series, he once again proves his versatility, with top-notch performances as Inspector Lynley.
Sharon Small is an absolute delight as Sgt. Havers -- the polar opposite of Lynley, in upbringing and in attitude. The developing rapport, humorous banter, and verbal sparring between the two characters provides added interest and enjoyment to the plot.
I do not interpret their relationship as "romantic," but there is certainly a developing closeness, sensitivity, and mutual respect which they exhibit toward one another, and which is not uncommon between partners working together daily in a stressful profession. He naturally feels empathy toward her, in her trials and tribulations of caring for her mentally and physically handicapped elderly parents -- he would rightly be termed a "cad," if he turned a blind eye to her suffering -- and she is sensitive toward his feelings of hurt and betrayal, in his unhappy and unsatisfying relationships with the opposite sex, even going so far as to "make herself scarce" when they unexpectedly come across the object of his affection --i.e., "Helen" -- in one episode of the series.
I look forward to future episodes in this series, and highly recommend them to anyone seeking quality entertainment. (My favorite episode thus far is, "Well-Schooled in Murder" -- EXCELLENT performances by all).
Movie Review: Very Well Done!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
First off, TV is a very different medium than books. Obviously you can't capture the detail of an entire book in hour and a half episodes such as these. And anyone who would go into watching them thinking otherwise is simply deluding themselves. You must accept each medium for what it is and then if you want to judge it, judge it in comparison to others from the same medium. And that is where these mysteries truly shine. The great thing about every one of these episodes is that you, the viewer, solve the case at the same time as Lynley and Havers. In comparison, if you've ever watched other TV series such as Miss Marple or Poirot, they always solve it by using some clues and information that never got presented to the audience. It is so refreshing to watch these and learn EVERYTHING that the detectives do so you are lead up to the same solution at the same time versus the miraculous deductions of Poirot and Marple where they always have to explain to everyone else how they solved the case! And lastly, compared to other mystery series, the acting here is far better overall - it isn't over-the-top like is so common in many mysteries on TV and even the bit-part characters do an excellent job and are believable.Movie Review: Inspector Lynley Series - First Set
Summary: 5 Stars
I knew ahead of ordering this DVD that I would enjoy it immensely because I had already viewed the four mysteries (Well-Schooled in Murder, Payment in Blood, For the Sake of Elena, Missing Joseph) on our local PBS station. Also I have read many of the Elizabeth George novels on which this series is based. Of course, there are some changes from the story line and characters contained in the novels. However, I believe Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small do an excellent portrayal of their characters. (Obviously, it doesn't hurt either that Nathaniel Parker is rather a "hunk".) I now have the complete set of DVDs and am sincerely hoping that the BBC decides to continue the series in the near future. Their decision to cancel so abruptly didn't give the writers time to "tie up loose ends" which was very disappointing to the fans. In the meantime I will be reading all the new Elizabeth George novels as they are published.Movie Review: a delicate character study
Summary: 5 Stars
This series has great writing. However, a lot of the plot is what Hitchcock would call the "maguffin" -- the 'whatever' on which to hang the script.
The real center of this series is the contrast of class. The two central characters have an unexpressed love for each other which subtly supercedes and cancels out any other relationships that they try to form. It is not a love of bump and grind, but rather a deep respect, a reaching out past class distinctions, and a primary need to see each other every day. Occasionally one will reach out to the other, only to be gently rebuffed. The excellent writing allows them barriers which they tentatively reach across.
I watched the whole thing, amazed by the subtlety in which the two characters hang on to this fabric.
Movie Review: A TOUCH OF CLASS
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm coming rather late to this series. As they say, "better late than never". I've completely fallen in love with this Murder/Mystery series. Besides being a superbly presented and acted Murder/Mystery, it has the additional appeal of having the two principle characters being of different backgrounds (classes). Nathaniel Parker is superb as the Oxford educated detective Lynley (in other words "Upper Class".) and Sharon Small is wonderful as the working class cop Havers. Their differences of perception of each case adds just the right amount of "spice" to each case and they end up requiring each others input in order to solve each case.
In light of the above, I look forward to purchasing the other episodes in the series!