The Series
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Inspector Morse (played by John Thaw) is a Chief Inspector in the Thames Valley police. Unlike the usual gun toting, hard men police in similar ‘80s and ‘90s dramas, Morse prefers opera, real ale, art, literature and doing the Times crossword. He is bad tempered, stubborn and ... Read review
Super sleuth Inspector Morse (John Thaw - Goodnight Mister Tom and Kavanagh Q.C.) has an ... more
ear for music, a taste for beer and a nose for crime. He sets out with Sergeant Lewis (Kevin Whatley - Peak Practice) to solve each intriguing case.The Infernal Se...
This box set features the entire fourth series of the classic British Television drama ... more
Inspector Morse. Episodes comprise: 1. Infernal Serpent: Morse investigates the death of an environmentalist killed only minutes before he was due to give a hig...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
WhenInspector Morsefirst appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that ... more
it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and storylines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to the next. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep down, sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women.At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
WhenInspector Morsefirst appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that ... more
it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and storylines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate aboutopera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to the next. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep down, sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women.At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
WhenInspector Morsefirst appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that ... more
it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and storylines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to the next. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep down, sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women.At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
WhenInspector Morsefirst appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that ... more
it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and storylines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to the next. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep down, sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women.At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
WhenInspector Morsefirst appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that ... more
it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and storylines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to the next. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep down, sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women.At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
WhenInspector Morsefirst appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that ... more
it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and storylines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to the next. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep down, sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women.At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Production Year: 2002 - Thriller - Director: Bharat Nalluri, Rob Bailey, Andy Wilson - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Matthew MacFadyen, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo, Peter Firth, Jenny Agutter, Lisa Faulkner
Advantages: Great entertainment Disadvantages: None
The Series
==========
Inspector Morse (played by John Thaw) is a Chief Inspector in the Thames Valley police. Unlike the usual gun toting, hard men police in similar ‘80s and ‘90s dramas, Morse prefers opera, real ale, art, literature and doing the Times crossword. He is bad tempered, stubborn and most of his love interests only last one episode. He is helped by the loveable Sergeant Lewis (Kevin Whately) who supports Morse through ... .../>
The plots are based on the novels of Colin Dexter and he has created intricate characters and plots which allow you to watch each episode over and over again. There are many layers and great wit in each one and you will find new things in them every time you watch them.
When the Morse series was commissioned, it was thought that there would be only a few episodes. How wrong they were! They are now a staple of the ITV3 weekend ... more
The Series ========== Inspector Morse (played by John Thaw) is a Chief Inspector in the Thames Valley police. Unlike the usual gun toting, hard men police in similar ‘80s and ‘90s dramas, Morse prefers opera, real ale, art, literature and doing the Times crossword. He is bad tempered, stubborn and most of his love interests only last one episode. He is helped by the loveable Sergeant Lewis (Kevin Whately) who supports Morse through thick and thin and puts up with his bad temper.
The plots are based on the novels of Colin Dexter and he has created intricate characters and plots which allow you to watch each episode over and over again. There are many layers and great wit in each one and you will find new things in them every time you watch them.
When the Morse series was commissioned, it was thought that there would be only a few episodes. How wrong they were! They are now a staple of the ITV3 weekend schedule and are currently running on ITV1 in the afternoon.
Characters ========== One of the nicest things about the series is watching the main characters develop and their relationship grow, first to respect, then to friendship. Morse starts as a pretty unlikable, grumpy old git. He has rubbed many people up the wrong way and his career does not seem secure. Luckily he finds an ideal foil in Lewis and the latter’s good nature and tact help them to get results. By later programmes, Morse clearly appreciates Lewis’ worth and as you begin to understand Morse’s weaknesses and his frustration with the way his life has turned out, you feel more sympathy for him.
The third key character is Oxford, both town and gown. There are some beautiful shots of the countryside and most episodes are set in various colleges. Brasenose is the most often shown college as apparently its location was easy to close off during filming. Beware of watching the series with Oxford alumni, they will spend the whole time pointing out their rooms and which pubs they used to go to.
Although mainly a "whodunit", there is good characterisation and emphasis on why crimes were committed. The viewer is led to feel sympathy for many of the characters and the positions that they find themselves in. The authors (it is based on Dexter's character but he did not write them all), are not scared to tackle some horrible crimes but they do so with a light touch and the programme does not become ghoulish.
Series 4 =========== Series four consists of :
The Infernal Serpent ============== An eminent environmentalist is found dead just before he is due to give a very controversial lecture. Morse finds himself fighting to get evidence against big business and is blocked by the political diversions of an Oxford college. Whilst the main plot develops, there are subplots of people living with the aftermath of child abuse and a character trying to protect his terminally ill mother.
The Sins of the Father ==================== Set in a family run brewery where the board members are being murdered one by one. A controversial takeover by a multinational is in the air and the board member’s opinions on the matter are being driven by their own secrets. In the meantime, documents show that the brewery may actually belong to someone quite different.
Driven to Distraction ================== Written by Anthony Minghella. Two women are murdered in what seems a motiveless crime by a psychopath. A local and very unlikeable garage owner seems to be the obvious culprit but as with many episodes, watch out for the apparently harmless old buffer…
Masonic Mysteries ==================== Morse is about to take part in a performance of the Magic Flute when his girlfriend is murdered. Morse is first to find the body and for some unfathomable reason, he picks up the knife and becomes the main suspect. Whoever is trying to frame him follows up with a series of nasty events which are loosely based on Masonic trials and Mozart’s opera. Luckily Lewis is on hand to keep his faith in his panicking boss and make the vital breakthrough. One of the most polished episodes in my opinion and with a fab cameo by “The Emperor”…
Boxed Set =========== The series comes on four DVDs and has strong plastic housing which stand up to wear and tear. There is an outer sleeve which stops the pack opening. The set is 416 minutes in length and is rated 15. Prices vary hugely but you ca pick this up very cheaply on ebay.
Based on Colin Dexter's novels, the series features Morse and his sidekick Inspector Lewis, investigating murders and other crimes in and around Oxford.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
ITV DVD; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Release date
19/02/2007
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
37115 07503
Barcode
5037115075031
Author
Colin Dexter
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Interactive menu
Aspect Ratio
4:3
Sound
Dolby Digital
DVD Description
Based on Colin Dexter's novels, the series features Morse (John Thaw) and his sidekick Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whately), investigating murders and other crimes in and around Oxford.
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