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Inspector Lynley Mysteries - Series 1 And Pilot [2001]


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Yikes
Review date: 2008-06-03 Rating: 2 out of 10

This is absolutely awful. Stereotype after stereotype although not quite as bad as in the (American) books. Merry old England clichees, a pseudo-Morse (without the great John Thaw's charisma) and a pseudo-Lewis (without Whately's charme). Boring, slow moving, unconvincing. A bloody waste of time.

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A three-disc set that begins the TV dramatisation of the Inspector Lynley novels written by American author Elizabeth George, originally screened on the BBC in 2001 and 2002.

A Great Deliverance (2-part Pilot)
Here begins the story for the unlikely couple, the intellectual, smart and also aristocratic Inspector Lynley, and DS Havers, the fiery and often insubordinate loner, manipulated into this single opportunity to save her police career by the Scotland Yard top brass. Sent to take over a gruesome case in Yorkshire, the two are not only pressured into solving it, but must overcome their distinct differences in upbringing and background to work as an effective team.

Lynley himself struggles to come to terms with the recent marriage of his unrequited true-love to his best friend, while Havers' domestic situation with her ailing parents complicates her exertions to remain on the Force. To solve a particularly grisly murder in a remote farmhouse in a rural community, they have to delve deeply into the lives of the locals to discover what's occurred. Add to this a hostile local Police presence that resents Lynley's involvement, and there's plenty to watch out for here.

The production is well-shot, with some excellent camera work and direction. In particular, the sequences at the farmhouse almost have a Silence-of-the-Lambs quality, and the general air of claustrophobic secrecy, in a well-crafted contrast to the views of wide-open spaces of fields, farms and hills throughout, lends the story a distinct edginess. An excellent tale full of dark and brooding menace with a tragic outcome.

Well-schooled In Murder
Set in a well-to-do public school in Idyllic England, Lynley and Havers continue their partnership when an old friend, now a teacher at the same school he and Lynley attended, calls in a favour. The quiet studious atmosphere of houses, dorms and multi-coloured blazers is slowly and evilly corrupted as the storyline unravels the reasons behind the murder of one of the schoolboys.

This production zips along at a completely different pace to the Pilot episode, and continues to explore the dynamics between Lynley and Havers. The two central characters interaction begin to develop their own story, as Lynley's loyalties to his associates and his upbringing is tested by the events and attitudes at the school, and Havers' opinions of the upper-class privileges are reinforced, along with the distractions from her investigative role when she has to cope with her parents' circumstances. This is a very well-written episode.

Payment In Blood
Another departure from London for the pair, as they head to a baronial pile in Scotland to investigate a murder amongst a close-knit group of theatrical elites, and Lynley is surprised to discover his close friend Helen Clyde is amongst the guests. As the case progresses, and his concern for Helen takes over, doubt creeps in as to whether he's the right officer to lead the investigation. Havers bravely struggles on trying to support him, still with her own job in jeopardy, and the two are quickly drawn into a twisted tale who's roots stretch back over twenty years.

The cast of guest stars in this episode deliver an additional force to the storyline, as the bodycount increases. It feels like the couple's investigation has little control over the events as they unfold, and enforces the dilemma that Lynley finds himself in. The dynamics are slightly different this time, and Lynley soon has to learn to live with the consequences of his actions and suspicions.

For The Sake Of Elena
A student's murder amongst the intelligentsia of the Universities at Cambridge becomes more complex as the facts behind the dead girl, her family and her friends and tutors comes to light. Lynley begins to salvage his friendship with Helen, while Havers literally has to `commute' to the investigation as she tries to resolve the problems with her mother.

The scenes of a mist-enshrouded Cambridge give the production an ethereal opening as the story then moves on to the hallowed quads and cloisters of the old Colleges. The intricate relationships of the girl's family, friends, and the university staff provide a veritable mire of possibilities, which Lynley and Havers have to wade through to solve the case.

Missing Joseph
The final episode has Lynley and Havers travelling to Lancashire to investigate the demise of the local vicar in what at first looks like an accidental poisoning. The case soon develops into something distinctly different however, with revelations eventually illustrating the lengths some people go to, to achieve their ambitions. Lynley initially grows closer to Helen, and is then left to wonder whether there is a future for them together, while Havers tackles a difficult junction in her life as she begins to cut ties with her past.

This story has a tighter focus on just a few specific characters, but it loses none of the drama. Instead, the viewer is left to wonder at what motivations lie behind the actions of the suspects involved.

Summary
Nathaniel Parker puts in a good solid performance as Inspector Lynley that shows off the high level of acting achievement he has attained since those far-off days of `Piece of Cake'. Sharon Small however, in my opinion, is the star of this particular series. Her portrayal of DS Havers, with her feisty, independent and distinctly confrontational attitudes to rank and authority is exemplary. Some of her scenes are just a delight to watch, as her acting sets out just what Barbara Havers is all about. Although not necessarily true to the Havers character in the books, Sharon Small's enthusiastic performance is, to put it simply, truly excellent.

One criticism I have for this DVD set is that there are no additional extras - no commentaries from crew or cast, or any additional behind-the-scenes features. However, this is a very minor point that in no way detracts from a superb production. I can only hope the other series are released soon to maintain the impetus and interest on a job very well-done.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Naomi Frederick
James McAvoy
Yvonne O'Grady
Jonathan Firth
Ronald Pickup

Creators:
James McAvoy (Primary Contributor)
Naomi Frederick (Primary Contributor)
Jane Tranter (Producer)
Elizabeth George (Writer)
Lizzie Mickery (Writer)
Simon Block (Writer)
Valerie Windsor (Writer)

Director(s):

Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503195229
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 3
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-07-08
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 502 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2001-03-12
Language: English (Original Language)

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