After I made the mistake of starting the Inspector Morse series trilogy in timeline order starting with Endeavor, Inspector Morse did not live up to Endeavor- to me. I then started Inspector Lewis and loved that as well. Maybe because Morse was filmed in the 90's and British tv crime dramas presented a different vibe then, but Morse -again to me - did not have the depth of character or range of personality as the character was portrayed in Endeavor or the characters of Lewis and Hathaway in Inspector Lewis. Those bookends to the Morse trilogy are just so fantastic, it's hard to write an opinion that the original material doesn't hold up to the newer series. I fell asleep watching Morse. I'll keep giving it a go bc I really enjoy the premise but it's more for nostalgia than enjoyment at this point.
61 Reviews
American late to the party but no less appreciative
Love_Life_Laughter1 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Through the wonders of smart TV and BritBox this Yank can now partake of these classic series. My favorite of the triumvirate - Endeavor, Inspector Morse, and Lewis- so far is Endeavor, but Inspector Morse shares the compelling story lines and rich production values of it's prequel. John Thaw's Morse is an Anderson Cooper--like figure, silently bearing witness to the world's pain as he drives away from the latest mystery resolution of humanity's criminal cruelty. The running gag is Morse's blatant insensitivity and bullying to his loyal sidekick, Lewis, played to patient and forebearing perfection by Kevin Whately. The third star, or maybe the first, is the setting of Oxford University. The series manages to be both respectful and mocking of this venerable institution. Where else would you find John Geilgud as an Oxford Head of College unable to stop himself from insulting his American benefactors in the very process of begging for money? Mostly it is the air of reverential excellence that throughout all of these series, spanning many years, seems to reflect the best of Oxford. "We better get this right" they seem to say. Thankfully, they do. This rich multi-year
legacy satisfies that craving to peak behind the veil of privilege and excellence that is the Public (expensive private) school system in the UK where the rich and connected educate their offspring. I strangely see a relationship between this oeuvre and Star Trek, which similarly explored issues of social class and limitations of capitalism with a tongue-in-cheek humor and set of characters so beloved that audiences could not bear to part with them, even after a long-running series. Perhaps we could do a doctoral thesis compare-and-contrast between The Enterprise and Oxford. Alas, if there were only such a selective Public School in upstate New York when I was growing up...
Well Done Except For One Huge Character Flaw
zombiemockingbird28 March 2021
I watched this series sporadically many years ago and enjoyed them, being a murder-mystery lover, and having read several of Colin Dexter's books. I recently started watching again on Brit Box and am really disappointed. The shows themselves are excellently done; the acting, the production, is all extremely well done and the characters are likable and believable, except, unfortunately for Morse himself. I don't recall, somewhat 30 years after reading the books, if Colin Dexter actually wrote Morse the way he is portrayed in these shows (I'm assuming he did). He is obnoxious, lecherous, rarely follows correct procedure, rarely figures out who is actually guilty, in fact he usually arrests and badgers the wrong person. Lewis usually figures out the correct answer, and does all of the work, while Morse drinks and makes a fool of himself pursuing every woman with a pulse, including suspects. Morse is pretty much a drunken buffoon, and I doubt he would last 5 minutes as a police inspector in real life. It's too bad because his surly clown of a character almost ruins an otherwise exceptional show.
The epitome of quality
matthew-5827 July 2004
I think most people would agree, whether British or not, that Inspector Morse represents everything that is good about British television. In January 1987, the first television episode of Colin Dexter's intelligent series of novels was broadcast. Inspector Morse was perfect - the beautiful scenery of Oxford, the classic red Jaguar, the classical music and a superb, and at times moving, central performance by the man his co-star Kevin Whately would later describe, after his untimely death in 2002, as Britain's finest screen actor.
Until it finished in 2000, Inspector Morse captivated large audiences, intrigued by its complex plots, the towering performance of John Thaw and its amazing roll call of quality guest actors. The series oozed class from every pore, and will always be the greatest jewel in the magnificent career of the late John Thaw. I really cannot find enough words to explain just how good I think Thaw was in so many of his television and film roles, but Morse was the character in which he proved to television viewers that he was not only versatile but had a rare depth.
The early episodes are certainly my favourites, as they were adapting the existing stories. Later, as they ran out of Dexter's stories, they began writing stories to keep the popular series going. But throughout, we learn more and more about the mysterious, emotionally repressed and rather sad Inspector. Without doubt, this is the greatest modern murder mystery franchise, and the series so many have tried, and failed, to emulate since.
Until it finished in 2000, Inspector Morse captivated large audiences, intrigued by its complex plots, the towering performance of John Thaw and its amazing roll call of quality guest actors. The series oozed class from every pore, and will always be the greatest jewel in the magnificent career of the late John Thaw. I really cannot find enough words to explain just how good I think Thaw was in so many of his television and film roles, but Morse was the character in which he proved to television viewers that he was not only versatile but had a rare depth.
The early episodes are certainly my favourites, as they were adapting the existing stories. Later, as they ran out of Dexter's stories, they began writing stories to keep the popular series going. But throughout, we learn more and more about the mysterious, emotionally repressed and rather sad Inspector. Without doubt, this is the greatest modern murder mystery franchise, and the series so many have tried, and failed, to emulate since.
Inspector Morse, a Synopsis
uuilson17 October 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Inspector Morse is television at its finest. Based around the Oxford-based characters created by Colin Dexter (some films are based on the novels; some on plot ideas by Dexter; and others, original scripts), the ITV series starring John Thaw and Kevin Whately has endured 33 high-quality episodes, each of which is approximately 104 minutes in length, and made with the same high standards usually reserved for a film with a theatrical release, ultimately resulting in a very arduous-yet-rewarding filming process. The premise of the series, to paraphrase John Thaw, is observing how two disparate men - one of which is a cerebral, Jaguar-driving, beer-drinking, crossword-solving, music-loving, well-educated, pedantic, arrogant, bachelor (Chief Inspector "Endeavour" Morse); the other of which is a northern, subservient, down-to-earth, prudish, humble and publicly-educated, family man (Sergeant "Robbie" Lewis) - proceed through an intricate whodunit and come to the conclusion which they inevitably reach. There is a noticeable father-son relationship between Morse & Lewis; and perhaps more of a brother-brother relationship between Morse & Strange, the Chief Superintendent. Aptly described as "a good detective but a poor policeman," Morse's modus operandi is very unconventional and parallels the way in which he solves his daily crossword puzzle (sometimes resulting in him getting things "arse about face"). His partnership with Lewis, however much as Morse would probably deny it, is vital to the investigation, just as Watson's was to Holmes; a lot of times mere innocent remarks from Lewis will lead Morse to deduce essential pieces of a puzzle, thereby solving the crime. Although Morse's melancholy is a rarely changing factor, Thaw is able to convey the gambit of emotions without having to resort to overacting. Their Christian names are rarely broadcast throughout the series; Morse tends to refer to Sgt. Lewis as just "Lewis," whereas Sgt. Lewis is inclined to address Morse as "Sir." The team who commissioned the Inspector Morse series seem to have elected not to use the same filming/writing crew on more that one episode, resulting in direction and writing styles which differ immensely from one another at different stages in the series. Contributing a lot to the show are the classically-trained backgrounds of many of the guest stars and the talent of the writers and directors, many of whom have gone on to have tremendously successful careers. Another important element of the show's success is the, at times hauntingly beautiful, strikingly apposite music composed by Barrington Pheloung. The characters evolve throughout the series, almost to the point where Lewis metamorphoses into an obtuse version of Morse. In Hitchcockian-style, Colin Dexter makes a cameo appearance in nearly every Inspector Morse film. The deterioration of Morse's health from a nasty combination of both drink and diabetes, and his apathy toward its maintenance were his ultimate downfall; indeed the re"morse"ful day occurred in the final episode (same name, same poem, same pun) wherein Morse succumbed to a heart attack, fittingly on the lawn of an Oxford college. Although it is hard for one to simultaneously predict the future and judge in a contemporary environment, it appears that the series has all the requisites to be regarded as "timeless."
John Thaw's best role
TheLittleSongbird9 February 2009
I have all 33 episodes and all the books, and I think this crime drama is without question the best show that ever came on our screens. Each episode has a reason for watching it. They did change the character of Morse completely, but I don't care. I prefer John Thaw's Morse, he is somewhat more likable. The late John Thaw was an outstanding actor, and Inspector Morse is his best role. He is just phenomenal, as is Kevin Whately as Lewis. Morse is a sensitive character here, when he is listening to his classical music with the camera looking into these mysterious blue eyes, it is just extraordinary. The music is just amazing with that clever haunting theme tune, and the recurring excerpts of Mozart and Wagner. Inspector Morse also benefits from consistently superb camera work and exceptionally written scripts. It has also boasted stars such as Clive Swift, Roger Lloyd Pack, Zoe Wannamaker and Paul Freeman. Favourite episode? Has to be Masonic Mysteries, the victim's scream actually made my heart go in my mouth. The final episode is heart-rending, and I couldn't bear to finish the book, because it was so sad. Great stuff! 10/10. Bethany Cox
The epitomy of quality television.
Sleepin_Dragon10 June 2018
It is not without reason that Morse is held up as one of the finest television series ever made. It is therefore no wonder that after the tragic death of John Thaw efforts were made to keep the spirit of the show alive through Lewis and then Endeavour. Every single part of this show was perfection itself, the writing, production, music, and of course the impeccable performances of John Thaw and Kevin Whateley.
That quality began in The Dead of Jericho and ended in The Remorseful Day. Reading through the reviews it's great to see how different people love different episodes. Highest point for me was Masonic Mysteries, and I long for the day where de Vries turns up in Endeavour, an incredible episode, other highlights include driven to distraction and Death of the self. The quality is that high generally that you could almost pick any.
There aren't enough superlatives I can throw at this show, how wonderful that the elements, including John Thaw and the iconic Jaguar paved the way for a continuation of Endeavour's story.
Will we ever have such glorious viewing again?
Virtually perfect. 10/10
That quality began in The Dead of Jericho and ended in The Remorseful Day. Reading through the reviews it's great to see how different people love different episodes. Highest point for me was Masonic Mysteries, and I long for the day where de Vries turns up in Endeavour, an incredible episode, other highlights include driven to distraction and Death of the self. The quality is that high generally that you could almost pick any.
There aren't enough superlatives I can throw at this show, how wonderful that the elements, including John Thaw and the iconic Jaguar paved the way for a continuation of Endeavour's story.
Will we ever have such glorious viewing again?
Virtually perfect. 10/10
British TV at its best.
kikkapi2024 January 2015
Back in the year of 1987 Oxford started to get a bad reputation, a reputation they never asked for. And what was the reason that the highly acclaimed and known city of Oxford got this reputation? Because of a grumpy old detective by the name of Inspector Morse. This highly cultural, intelligent detective that fancied a good beer and classical music over anything else in life. Brilliantly casted by John Thaw, one of Britains best actors of all time, shows just what British Television is all about. Quality, through and through. The people behind the casting of this series has done a terrific job, the human interaction between the characters in this series is nothing short of brilliant. The relationship between Morse (John Thaw) and Lewis (Kevin Whately) is a relationship that one wonders how works. They seem to be from different planets, but yet they manage to interact in such a way that they always ends up sorting the beans. Morse, a man that always carries around large bills always leaves Lewis to pay the bar bill because the bartender has no change for twenties, and that always patronizes Lewis in such a way that you pity him. But in spite of this slightly awkward relationship, you do feel the compassion that is between the two. Even though they are highly different, they work so well together. Piecing together the pieces of the puzzle like the whole puzzle was nothing but a story book telling them exactly what happened. Morse being a loner, living on his own embracing what he loves the most, classic music he in many ways comes of as socially inapt seems and odd match to the family man Lewis. But as you watch this series, you come to understand that it could not have been in any other way. They are a perfect match, which makes the series move along so perfectly as it does. The way the series illustrates just how great detective work is done, and what personal sacrifices the ones doing such work has to endure just leaves you in awe. If you want good quality television, Inspectore Morse is a first choice by far. Many people get intimidated by the run time that a standard Inspector Morse episode has. But it's the best 100 minutes you can spend in front of the TV if you first are to spend time in front of it. Thank you John Thaw, for the work you and all the others put into Colin Dexter's works. You will always be remembered.
This is the best!
dakjets2 July 2018
If you notice that this TV series is on a channel; see it! It has been many years now, since John Thaw brilliantly contributed to this series, but it is just as good today. John Thaw as Inspector Morse is a study in good crime film, outstanding role performances and unique scenes in Oxford. It's no wonder that the spin-off series Lewis came in the cool water of this series. And while Lewis is also good, nothing beats Morse.
In the series about Morse we meet a complex and exciting role figure, which John Thaw manages to bring forth the breadth and depth. Everything works well in this series, and some of the best is the ability to entertain while at the same time drama is on its best. I can not do anything else to recommend all new (and old) fans to spend time on this series. You will not regret it, while there is something wary about it too. Such as this is no longer made.
My favourite detective series - outstanding in quality.
kabrorsen27 September 2008
I am sorry, I never had the chance to meet John Thaw. He gave so much to his part as Chief Inspector Morse, and I always admired him for this. By that, I mean, I read a couple of Colin Dexter's novels, and I absolutely found them good - but sorry, not outstanding. But with Thaw came the elegance, personality - not 100% the precise character from the novels, no luckily John Thaw's personal version of Morse. I agree with another comment on this site, the TV version clearly surpasses the original novels.
One of many fantastic things about this TV series is the fact, that the recipe was clear from day one. There is not one really bad episode among - impressive considering the many years, it took to shoot all the episodes. Actually the series almost starts with one of my favourite episodes "Silent World Of Nicholas Quinn" (1986) - and almost ends with one of them "Death Is Now My Neighbour" (1997). But in between we are treated with masterpieces such as "Who Killed Harry Field", "Driven To Distraction", "Decieved By Flight" - and my personal favourite "Death Of The Self". Each of the these episodes show how outstanding an actor John Thaw was - and how good the series really is.
It is my favourite detective series, and it is simply one masterpiece after another.
One of many fantastic things about this TV series is the fact, that the recipe was clear from day one. There is not one really bad episode among - impressive considering the many years, it took to shoot all the episodes. Actually the series almost starts with one of my favourite episodes "Silent World Of Nicholas Quinn" (1986) - and almost ends with one of them "Death Is Now My Neighbour" (1997). But in between we are treated with masterpieces such as "Who Killed Harry Field", "Driven To Distraction", "Decieved By Flight" - and my personal favourite "Death Of The Self". Each of the these episodes show how outstanding an actor John Thaw was - and how good the series really is.
It is my favourite detective series, and it is simply one masterpiece after another.
flawed,slow,unrealistic
kennprop28 March 2018
The setting is great and its very unrealistic to place all these murders in Oxford. To have a great show it has to be possible. The Wire was realistic. These scripts are shallow, yet too cumbersome. We have no idea why
Morse is Morse. Why does he drink so much ? Why is he so solitary. He seems educated but being a cop is kind of a fall down the class cliff. I think Thaw phoned it in with this character. He was much better in Kavanagh QC. The premise was better and so was the writing. I watched that series first and this is inferior. The Endeavour series has better character developement, better supporting characters. It makes you want to see more of them. I just found this to be mostly mediocre.I wont watch a lot of c shows to find a few good episodes. Maybe UK viewers or detective meme folks have different criteria? These are on a par with Agatha Christie type plots.
Morse is Morse. Why does he drink so much ? Why is he so solitary. He seems educated but being a cop is kind of a fall down the class cliff. I think Thaw phoned it in with this character. He was much better in Kavanagh QC. The premise was better and so was the writing. I watched that series first and this is inferior. The Endeavour series has better character developement, better supporting characters. It makes you want to see more of them. I just found this to be mostly mediocre.I wont watch a lot of c shows to find a few good episodes. Maybe UK viewers or detective meme folks have different criteria? These are on a par with Agatha Christie type plots.
Excellent series - sorry it ended - great theme music
dblack-1430 July 2006
This series was distinguished by its consistent quality of acting and plausible plots. The sometimes acid interaction that graced the relationship between Morse and Lewis made their mutual respect more believable. Morse's steadfast refusal to reveal his given name added good continuity to the dialogue from episode to episode.
With the passing of John Thaw, I would like to see a follow-on series starring Kevin Whatley as an Inspector Lewis, with many of the previous regulars carried over.
The theme music by Barrington Phelong has one of those haunting melodies that just won't leave my head.
With the passing of John Thaw, I would like to see a follow-on series starring Kevin Whatley as an Inspector Lewis, with many of the previous regulars carried over.
The theme music by Barrington Phelong has one of those haunting melodies that just won't leave my head.
Decent enough detective show
theredpike17 August 2016
The best recurring character in the series was Max. I was sorry to see him go at the end of the second series. He came across as a genuinely smart guy who had Morse's number. Lewis was also great. Morse remains consistently pretentious throughout, but the endearing rough edges to his character seen in earlier episodes were smoothed off in later series and he became a very dull politically correct nonentity.
My ratings are: Series 1: 8.7; Series 2: 9.0; Series 3: 8.0; Series 4: 8.0; Series 5: 5.6; Series 6: 5.8; Series 7: 5.0; I shan't be bothering with the remaining episodes.
My favourite episodes: The Wolvercote Tongue, The Settling of the Sun, The Secret of Bay 5B, Masonic Mysteries and Dead on Time.
The episodes I disliked: Fat Chance, Happy Families, Cherubim & Seraphim, The Day of the Devil and Twilight of the Gods.
My ratings are: Series 1: 8.7; Series 2: 9.0; Series 3: 8.0; Series 4: 8.0; Series 5: 5.6; Series 6: 5.8; Series 7: 5.0; I shan't be bothering with the remaining episodes.
My favourite episodes: The Wolvercote Tongue, The Settling of the Sun, The Secret of Bay 5B, Masonic Mysteries and Dead on Time.
The episodes I disliked: Fat Chance, Happy Families, Cherubim & Seraphim, The Day of the Devil and Twilight of the Gods.
Not really sure why people love this
Apd2271 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I watched Endeavor and inspector Lewis, and absolutely loved both, so I thought I would give the original a chance. But I have absolutely zero idea of why on earth anyone would think this was good, let alone some kind of classic. In this series Morse is neither a brilliant detective, nor a sympathetic flawed character, but is instead a sleezy old chump that his Sargent has to keep bailing out. I'm going to chalk it up to some sort of nostalgia, like columbo, sort of a series of it's time. But it definitely didn't age well at all. He becomes a bumbling skeevy bafoon whenever there is a female in the mix. It's frightfully embarrassing. And he always gets it wrong. Watch the other 2 but skip this. It's just mortifyingly bad. Disconnected plots and an incompetent police officer.
A Real Treasure
mafster4 August 2004
Well, where can one begin. Inspector Morse is remarkable in every way. The characterisation of Morse and Lewis is wonderful. By the end of the series we know so much about Morse. It kind of brings a bonding between the character of Morse and the viewer. The show gives an English cultural feel to the programs which is also reflected by the character of Morse.
I also like the way in which Morse CAN get it wrong. It makes him human. This element is wonderfully executed as it deceives the viewer into following the track of Morse and then slaps you back in the face much to the viewers shock. This adds a fabulous twist and an element of surprise which is hard to find in many detective programs.
There are not many detective programs that carry symbols to represent themselves either. The Jaguar, the pub, the opera, classical music and crosswords. All these objects made the program. I mean, if I saw a red Jaguar parked in town, the first thing that would come to my head would be Morse.
I also believe that John Thaw and Kevin Whatley should be given so much credit for the way in which they have brought these characters to life. They came across so convincingly and played so well off of each other. A truly wonderful experience.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say that John Thaw was a fine and wonderful actor who will be missed greatly.
I also like the way in which Morse CAN get it wrong. It makes him human. This element is wonderfully executed as it deceives the viewer into following the track of Morse and then slaps you back in the face much to the viewers shock. This adds a fabulous twist and an element of surprise which is hard to find in many detective programs.
There are not many detective programs that carry symbols to represent themselves either. The Jaguar, the pub, the opera, classical music and crosswords. All these objects made the program. I mean, if I saw a red Jaguar parked in town, the first thing that would come to my head would be Morse.
I also believe that John Thaw and Kevin Whatley should be given so much credit for the way in which they have brought these characters to life. They came across so convincingly and played so well off of each other. A truly wonderful experience.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say that John Thaw was a fine and wonderful actor who will be missed greatly.
Greatest British crime series of all time!
btg3411 April 2020
The up and down moments of Morse's and Lewis's relationship, the heated arguments between Chief Superintendent Strange and Morse, the loud music of opera, the beautiful views of Oxfordshire and the breath taking and thrilling plots is what makes Inspector Morse the greatest British Crime series of all time.
An essential Inspector Morse information source
jeremy-tipton24 April 2008
After following Inspector Morse as a teen and even now after watching episodes again again, I still find myself taken with how well the programme was devised, written, produced, and acted - every time I watch an episode I take a fresh view on how good it was and is. I've come across a website which is the 'Official' site for all fans of this incredible drama - http://www.morsetv.com - it really is a site all those who want to find out that little bit more about the programme and man 'Morse'. There is loads of information with interesting video clip insights from John Thaw, Kevin Whately, Colin Dexter and Ted Childs about the characters from their own personal perspective - this is a great site, highly recommended.
A bit disappointing at first but got better
jhayeswrite10 September 2023
Unfortunately, I have seen Endeavour (the series showcasing Morse as he starts out on the police force) and Inspector Lewis (the continuation of Lewis' storyline) before I started watching this story. So right away I'm disappointed in DI Morse's mannerisms in this series. He's too sloppy so unless something happened to Morse between the two series, there's a disconnect that's noticeable.
I know that Morse has a habit of being brash at times (in Endeavour), but here he's very boorish and obstinate. He stomps around, practically bullies the witnesses, and I'm sorry, seems clueless most of the time. Other characters in other series make Morse out to be a near-genius, but here, he's lucky to solve a case. And his habit of trying to hook up with suspects is too much for me.
**Edit: By Season 4, Morse is starting to act like a more mature cop. Less all over the place, less stumbling around. It is helping for the show to grow on me.
And I don't know if it's because it was filmed in the 80s, but the acting feels so cheesy and over the top most of the time. Maybe it isn't the acting but the filming style. I wonder how different it would look if it were filmed today.
**Edit: To me, the acting by most of the characters feels over-the-top. Maybe that's why I'm not a fan of it.
Admittedly, I'm only a few episodes into the first series so far and I do plan on watching all episodes. I just hope that it gets better as it goes. I will update my review as I feel I need as the series continues.
**Edit: By Season 6, the vibe and acting are more like how I prefer. Not over the top, silly acting. Morse isn't stumbling around and actually appears like he knows what he's doing.
I know that Morse has a habit of being brash at times (in Endeavour), but here he's very boorish and obstinate. He stomps around, practically bullies the witnesses, and I'm sorry, seems clueless most of the time. Other characters in other series make Morse out to be a near-genius, but here, he's lucky to solve a case. And his habit of trying to hook up with suspects is too much for me.
**Edit: By Season 4, Morse is starting to act like a more mature cop. Less all over the place, less stumbling around. It is helping for the show to grow on me.
And I don't know if it's because it was filmed in the 80s, but the acting feels so cheesy and over the top most of the time. Maybe it isn't the acting but the filming style. I wonder how different it would look if it were filmed today.
**Edit: To me, the acting by most of the characters feels over-the-top. Maybe that's why I'm not a fan of it.
Admittedly, I'm only a few episodes into the first series so far and I do plan on watching all episodes. I just hope that it gets better as it goes. I will update my review as I feel I need as the series continues.
**Edit: By Season 6, the vibe and acting are more like how I prefer. Not over the top, silly acting. Morse isn't stumbling around and actually appears like he knows what he's doing.
Perfect 10 for Inspector Morse.
samnlm8 July 2018
This is the best example of great British television. I like it better than the new Sherlock Holmes (3-episodes a year) series. Inspector Morse never married, is squeamish around dead bodies, likes women/classical music/opera/beer (a bit too much). Morse' sidekick Sergeant Lewis investigates the usual/unusual suspects and looks for clues to assist in various aspects of the case; occasionally, he goes off on humorous tangents but Morse keeps the sergeant grounded and focused in the right direction. My top 3 detective shows: Columbo, Sherlock Holmes (1980s), Inspector Morse.
Likable Inspector in romantic surroundings - but too complicated mysteries
Catharina_Sweden3 May 2014
I loved this series when I watched it on television many years ago, and now when I re-watch it on my computer screen I still find it very good. I like the Oxford setting: the beautiful time-honoured surroundings in the old university town. The calmness - but with passion and wrath beneath it! I like the perfect Oxford English that most of the actors speak. It is like music in my ears!
And I like Inspector Morse himself of course - I can quite relate to him, with his high intelligence, cultural interests (I am also a Wagnerian), lofty ideals when it comes to the opposite sex... and the hopeless loneliness that ensues from those kind of ideals. His romantic interest for some woman he encounters in every episode - but which always comes to nothing...
What I do NOT like is first of all that the mysteries are far too complicated. As a viewer, you haven't got a chance to remember or keep apart all the people involved, and all the facts about them and the various crimes, and even less to solve the mystery yourself. I have now begun to stop halfway in every episode, and watch it from the beginning, paying great attention to detail at all times. This makes it easier to follow - but I think for a show that SHOULD be entertainment and not a mind-game, it should not be necessary.
Another objection: John Thaw looks VERY old and frail for this role. I thought that he was probably 60-65 in the first seasons, so I was surprised to see, when I looked it up, that he was in fact only 45-50, which ought to be the perfect age for a successful Inspector. Maybe too much booze and to many cigarettes..? :-)
Talking of age, as I am myself a middle-aged woman, I appreciate that the women Morse falls in love with are also middle-aged, a bit wrinkled, sometimes even with full figures and grey hairs. I think it is good to show the audience, that middle-aged women with a few age-related flaws can still be lovable!
And I like Inspector Morse himself of course - I can quite relate to him, with his high intelligence, cultural interests (I am also a Wagnerian), lofty ideals when it comes to the opposite sex... and the hopeless loneliness that ensues from those kind of ideals. His romantic interest for some woman he encounters in every episode - but which always comes to nothing...
What I do NOT like is first of all that the mysteries are far too complicated. As a viewer, you haven't got a chance to remember or keep apart all the people involved, and all the facts about them and the various crimes, and even less to solve the mystery yourself. I have now begun to stop halfway in every episode, and watch it from the beginning, paying great attention to detail at all times. This makes it easier to follow - but I think for a show that SHOULD be entertainment and not a mind-game, it should not be necessary.
Another objection: John Thaw looks VERY old and frail for this role. I thought that he was probably 60-65 in the first seasons, so I was surprised to see, when I looked it up, that he was in fact only 45-50, which ought to be the perfect age for a successful Inspector. Maybe too much booze and to many cigarettes..? :-)
Talking of age, as I am myself a middle-aged woman, I appreciate that the women Morse falls in love with are also middle-aged, a bit wrinkled, sometimes even with full figures and grey hairs. I think it is good to show the audience, that middle-aged women with a few age-related flaws can still be lovable!
Quaint and aristocratic
Dr_Coulardeau25 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting to go back in time and get acquainted with what some consider as the old Morse, the end of Morse's long career as Chief Inspector Detective, and in this original series CID Morse dies less than two years before retiring, and he is shy about his first name, Endeavour.
It was a time - in Oxford - when the general society was not exactly all-inclusive. The campus is extremely hierarchically organized, even structured, and you are not supposed to mix the various layers or tiers of this university society which is a caricature still then of what the aristocratic English society probably used to be before the second world war when a king could not be married to a divorcee. Then around this intellectual, hierarchically patterned ghetto, you have the rest of society and beyond the city's boundaries, the rural "classes," mostly farmers and some professions that are necessary for this agricultural society to work.
The series is thus extremely sensitive to social protocols and ethics which appear nowadays as vastly anti-social, segregative, even in many ways racist or discriminatory. Don't expect to see many "colored" people, except in the lowest layers of this universe, and music is seen as having to be classical, operatic too, and a luxury for the elite. That's why the "casual," in the last but one episode, who was educated in Oxford is opening a completely different can of worms because he listens to hard rock or metal music, not in concert or on a record player or withdrawing room hi-fi, or a cassette reader of the type sound-cassette reader in his car, but on a Walkman with two earphones plugged in his ears. That's some kind of crime for Inspector Morse who is a member of a choir that may perform in concerts or even in some operatic productions, and who listens to music in his withdrawing-room deep armchair, or at times, and that is the limit of good taste turning sour, in his vintage jaguar car with the audio-cassette reader there, in itself a crime in vintageness, just like a harmonica would be an iconoclastic crime against the eternal British social order if positioned in the mouth of the Queen, playing a song like Clementine, or even God Save the Queen, and we all know what the Sex Pistols did with this second title.
But you can disregard this passé and archaic vision of a society that seems today to be defended if not advocated, let alone fantasized, by Brexiters, if not Brexiteers who still have to find a D'Artagnan. Then you have the dear Inspector Morse, his personality, and his style. He is a bachelor, and I would even be redundant and say, a single unmarried bachelor who cannot understand really what the evolution of society is all about and we see him slipping down the soapy slope of life, of his life, drowning his lack of understanding in Beer and whiskey or scotch, as if that could make him think right.
A control freak with his Sergeant, Lewis by name, he dominates and exploits him in all sorts of ways, and that is often a sad vision, a colorless view of the chain of command. True enough Morse is himself controlled in the same way by his superior in that chain of command. But altogether, he little by little commits suicide to remain in control of himself with his daily beer (counted in one to five pints) and his evening scotch or any other whiskey (counted in full one- or two-pint bottles, though maybe not per day). He is an alcoholic and that's a shame because that makes him grumpy, unbearable, unlivable, even if he is a very good investigator. After all, he has the trendy habit of following his instinct, his imagination, his intuitive hunches. Does it work like that in real police work? The series wants us to believe it and then the difference between Morse and other detectives is the fact that Morse is right in his hunches more often than most other detectives who follow easy and segregative hunches, which is already bad, but at the same time, they lock out all other alternative possibilities and refuse to consider more complicated solutions.
In other words, the cases presented in this series are all, absolutely all, complicated and twisted in innumerable ways, revealing some social depth that very often questions both the hierarchized absurdity of the academic world and the segregational inequality of the social world, both in Oxford and around. And at the same time, it is a rather convincing discourse against the policework that does not get out of this narrow-minded frame. But against it, if you do not want a revolution, you can only become socially autistic, locking yourself into a mental and logical world with no real human dimension, only transient contacts from time to time that will never get to anything long-lasting. In fact, Morse has only two daily contacts from beginning to end, his Sergeant Lewis who he controls impulsively and compulsively, and his superior chief-anything who is both obese and a control freak of his own type. And in this harsh world Inspector Morse dies of his alcoholism with two ulcers first and then a heart attack. His last words to his superior on his death bed are "Please, thank Lewis." And that is maybe the only and most obvious touch of humanity, but so late since in the next scene he is getting ready for burial and Sergeant Lewis pronounces the final guillotine sentence "Morse is dead."
Dr. Jacques COULARDEAU
It was a time - in Oxford - when the general society was not exactly all-inclusive. The campus is extremely hierarchically organized, even structured, and you are not supposed to mix the various layers or tiers of this university society which is a caricature still then of what the aristocratic English society probably used to be before the second world war when a king could not be married to a divorcee. Then around this intellectual, hierarchically patterned ghetto, you have the rest of society and beyond the city's boundaries, the rural "classes," mostly farmers and some professions that are necessary for this agricultural society to work.
The series is thus extremely sensitive to social protocols and ethics which appear nowadays as vastly anti-social, segregative, even in many ways racist or discriminatory. Don't expect to see many "colored" people, except in the lowest layers of this universe, and music is seen as having to be classical, operatic too, and a luxury for the elite. That's why the "casual," in the last but one episode, who was educated in Oxford is opening a completely different can of worms because he listens to hard rock or metal music, not in concert or on a record player or withdrawing room hi-fi, or a cassette reader of the type sound-cassette reader in his car, but on a Walkman with two earphones plugged in his ears. That's some kind of crime for Inspector Morse who is a member of a choir that may perform in concerts or even in some operatic productions, and who listens to music in his withdrawing-room deep armchair, or at times, and that is the limit of good taste turning sour, in his vintage jaguar car with the audio-cassette reader there, in itself a crime in vintageness, just like a harmonica would be an iconoclastic crime against the eternal British social order if positioned in the mouth of the Queen, playing a song like Clementine, or even God Save the Queen, and we all know what the Sex Pistols did with this second title.
But you can disregard this passé and archaic vision of a society that seems today to be defended if not advocated, let alone fantasized, by Brexiters, if not Brexiteers who still have to find a D'Artagnan. Then you have the dear Inspector Morse, his personality, and his style. He is a bachelor, and I would even be redundant and say, a single unmarried bachelor who cannot understand really what the evolution of society is all about and we see him slipping down the soapy slope of life, of his life, drowning his lack of understanding in Beer and whiskey or scotch, as if that could make him think right.
A control freak with his Sergeant, Lewis by name, he dominates and exploits him in all sorts of ways, and that is often a sad vision, a colorless view of the chain of command. True enough Morse is himself controlled in the same way by his superior in that chain of command. But altogether, he little by little commits suicide to remain in control of himself with his daily beer (counted in one to five pints) and his evening scotch or any other whiskey (counted in full one- or two-pint bottles, though maybe not per day). He is an alcoholic and that's a shame because that makes him grumpy, unbearable, unlivable, even if he is a very good investigator. After all, he has the trendy habit of following his instinct, his imagination, his intuitive hunches. Does it work like that in real police work? The series wants us to believe it and then the difference between Morse and other detectives is the fact that Morse is right in his hunches more often than most other detectives who follow easy and segregative hunches, which is already bad, but at the same time, they lock out all other alternative possibilities and refuse to consider more complicated solutions.
In other words, the cases presented in this series are all, absolutely all, complicated and twisted in innumerable ways, revealing some social depth that very often questions both the hierarchized absurdity of the academic world and the segregational inequality of the social world, both in Oxford and around. And at the same time, it is a rather convincing discourse against the policework that does not get out of this narrow-minded frame. But against it, if you do not want a revolution, you can only become socially autistic, locking yourself into a mental and logical world with no real human dimension, only transient contacts from time to time that will never get to anything long-lasting. In fact, Morse has only two daily contacts from beginning to end, his Sergeant Lewis who he controls impulsively and compulsively, and his superior chief-anything who is both obese and a control freak of his own type. And in this harsh world Inspector Morse dies of his alcoholism with two ulcers first and then a heart attack. His last words to his superior on his death bed are "Please, thank Lewis." And that is maybe the only and most obvious touch of humanity, but so late since in the next scene he is getting ready for burial and Sergeant Lewis pronounces the final guillotine sentence "Morse is dead."
Dr. Jacques COULARDEAU
Nice series , terrible detective
richard-llewellyn-jones9 December 2022
It was a real treat to see the UK as it was in the eighties. The decorations and way of life that were rougher around the edges but far more enjoyable than today. The cases are interesting and clever but Morse is a real dummy of a policeman and the body count goes up when he gets involved because he doesn't catch the bad guy fast enough.
He is also an obnoxious alcoholic as well as a useless policeman. I find it hard to understand why women viewers really loved him and made him a sex symbol of those days. It sort of highlights why good steady kind guys get treated like dirt by the opposite sex and that is why the world is so messed up.
He is also an obnoxious alcoholic as well as a useless policeman. I find it hard to understand why women viewers really loved him and made him a sex symbol of those days. It sort of highlights why good steady kind guys get treated like dirt by the opposite sex and that is why the world is so messed up.
One of my favorite detectives
sunnydale20045 March 2024
First off Inspector Lewis is one of my all time favorite series Endeavor is a close second. Inspector Morse is my least favorite of the 3 adaptions ONLY because of the time period it was produced in. I would absolutely love to see the Inspector Morse portion of the Colin Dexter series updated and redone. That being said I love John Thaw and Kevin Whately my opinion has nothing to do with the acting it's the 1980's style in which the stories are portrayed. I watch these in chronological order so the installment of Inspector Morse following Endeavor there's a definite disconnect but Inspector Lewis is definitely in the same caliber as Endeavor. Still If you're a fan of the Colin Dexter series Inspector Morse is a must see.
Smart television
kerrylynnskiles24 July 2013
This is smart, thoughtful television. The stories unravel soul motives and desires that remind me of P.D. James novels. The relationship between Inspector and Sargent Lewis is great to watch unfold. Then to watch Lewis as Inspector and Sargent Hathaway ... it just gets better. It adds to the story that they are currently making the prequel series of Morse as a young man. Developing what we see as the mature Morse, it's the best yet. The new series set in the 1960's Oxford are visually beautiful to watch. The filming has also significantly improved over the early Morse shows. For Americans who just can't watch one more predictable episode of Law & Order, you should check this out.
Just plain bad
Umberto887 April 2022
I love classic detective stories and greatly enjoy both the Poirot and Miss Marple television series. I heard a great deal about the "Inspector Morse" series and was really looking forward to watching it when I got the BritBox subscription on AmazonPrime. However, the series was a huge letdown and I gave it up midway through the fifth episode.
I haven't read the books by Colin Dexter and am unsure how faithfully the TV series represents the character of Morse. But in the series Morse is thoroughly unlikable, a drunkard and a relentless womanizer. Worse than that, he gets involved with multiple women who are suspects in the cases he is working on. That kind of thing would have been completely unacceptable even 50-60 years ago, and in real life any British police inspector discovered doing what Morse does would have quickly lost his job. The plots are convoluted, rushed and lack any likable characters (in contrast with the aforementioned Miss Marple and Poirot series). Morse himself certainly doesn't qualify as likable. The only reasonably sympathetic regular character is Lewis but his presence is not enough to save the show. Having the series set in Oxford and having it deal with the lives of Oxford academics and British aristocrats is not enough to make it sophisticated. Instead the series comes off as snobbish and pretentious, and already feels quite dated.
Finally, the series violates the cardinal rule of the mystery genre: at the end the "who done it" has to be explained, clearly, carefully and in detail. The "Morse" episodes consistently fail this principle. While the main culprit (or culprits) does get revealed, that always happens in a rushed way, often with Morse getting a sudden spark of inspiration from some offhand remark of Lewis. However, that's all that happens, and the details of who did what, why and which order are not given. With the plots being as confusing and convoluted as they are, the viewer is left in a dazed state after an episode is over, not really understanding what it was all about.
Overall, a hard pass.
I haven't read the books by Colin Dexter and am unsure how faithfully the TV series represents the character of Morse. But in the series Morse is thoroughly unlikable, a drunkard and a relentless womanizer. Worse than that, he gets involved with multiple women who are suspects in the cases he is working on. That kind of thing would have been completely unacceptable even 50-60 years ago, and in real life any British police inspector discovered doing what Morse does would have quickly lost his job. The plots are convoluted, rushed and lack any likable characters (in contrast with the aforementioned Miss Marple and Poirot series). Morse himself certainly doesn't qualify as likable. The only reasonably sympathetic regular character is Lewis but his presence is not enough to save the show. Having the series set in Oxford and having it deal with the lives of Oxford academics and British aristocrats is not enough to make it sophisticated. Instead the series comes off as snobbish and pretentious, and already feels quite dated.
Finally, the series violates the cardinal rule of the mystery genre: at the end the "who done it" has to be explained, clearly, carefully and in detail. The "Morse" episodes consistently fail this principle. While the main culprit (or culprits) does get revealed, that always happens in a rushed way, often with Morse getting a sudden spark of inspiration from some offhand remark of Lewis. However, that's all that happens, and the details of who did what, why and which order are not given. With the plots being as confusing and convoluted as they are, the viewer is left in a dazed state after an episode is over, not really understanding what it was all about.
Overall, a hard pass.
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