This is one of the best episodes featuring the gruff but cultured Inspector Morse and his sidekick Lewis, in arguably the cleverest Detective series on the box. The cast is splendid, Thaw and Whately are excellent as usual, Thaw plays Morse with his usual comfortable ease, they are ably supported by Geoffrey Palmer is at home with his portrayal of the unpleasant Master, Barbara Leigh-Hunt as his dithering wife, Cheryl Campbell as the attractive Silvie, and Tom Wilkinson as the Music Master. All fine characterizations that would please Colin Dexter himself.
The intriguing plot set as usual in Oxford, has the academic overtones expected, with sudden death, incest, and various false leads typical ingredients. But what makes this episode outstanding is its text book example of good Television technique, the use of extreme close shots to observe the characters expressions, the fluid camera work, tight editing and direction, all work exceedingly well for the small screen. If you are a Morse fan, don't miss this one.
The intriguing plot set as usual in Oxford, has the academic overtones expected, with sudden death, incest, and various false leads typical ingredients. But what makes this episode outstanding is its text book example of good Television technique, the use of extreme close shots to observe the characters expressions, the fluid camera work, tight editing and direction, all work exceedingly well for the small screen. If you are a Morse fan, don't miss this one.