The suicide of Hathaway's old friend tests his relationship with Lewis as he must come to terms with ambivalence about his own sexual past.The suicide of Hathaway's old friend tests his relationship with Lewis as he must come to terms with ambivalence about his own sexual past.The suicide of Hathaway's old friend tests his relationship with Lewis as he must come to terms with ambivalence about his own sexual past.
Bruce Mackinnon
- Conan Jones
- (as Bruce MacKinnon)
Colin Dexter
- Man at Merton College Entrance
- (uncredited)
Richard Price
- Photographer
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFeardorcha Phelan. Feardorcha is an Irish name: from the Gaelic words fear (meaning man) and dorcha (meaning dark or dark-haired) . Phelan is an Irish surname: from the Gaelic for "wolf."
- Quotes
DS James Hathaway: I was training to be a priest - kind of closes down your life a bit. And then I was training to be a policeman.
DI Robert Lewis: Closes your life down even more.
DS James Hathaway: Thank heavens we found each other, sir.
- Crazy creditsEnd-credits statement: "The verified carbon footprint of Lewis is 830 tonnes"
- ConnectionsReferences The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Featured review
Not as good on re-watch, has a lot of fine elements
Hearing about 'Lewis' for the first time when it first started, there was a big touch of excitement seeing as 'Inspector Morse' was and still is one of my favourites but also a little intrepidation, wondering whether the series would be as good. The good news is, like the prequel series 'Endeavour', 'Lewis' is every bit as good as 'Inspector Morse' and stands very well on its own two feet as a detective mystery and show in general.
Although 'Lewis' did start off promisingly it was Season 2 where it hit its stride and things felt more settled. In my review for my overall overview of the show, there was mention of "Life Born of Fire" being a particularly strong episode. On re-watch it doesn't fare quite as good and for me no longer a highlight, "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" and "Music to Die For" are much better Season 2 episodes. It is still an impressive episode with a lot of what makes 'Lewis' such a pleasure evident, and the character of Innocent is an improvement on before and has more to so.
The killer is very much guessable halfway through, as well as their motives and past. The ending, while with some tension, is rather far-fetched too.
On the other hand, the acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, advantaged by that Lewis is much more developed and as said he has more development. Clare Holman adds a lot. Fox is a breath of fresh air in a great contrasting role that reminds one of a more intelligent Lewis in his younger days and his sparkling sparring chemistry with Whately is a big part of the episode's, and show's, appeal.
Production values are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot (some of the best of the show at this point), and Oxford not only looks exquisite but is like a supporting character in itself. Barrington Pheloung returns as composer, and does a first-rate job. The theme tune, while not as iconic or quite as clever as Morse's, is very pleasant to listen to, the episode is charmingly and hauntingly scored and the use of pre-existing music is very well-incorporated, will probably not see Stravinsky "The Firebird" the same again due to the haunting utilization.
Much of the writing is smart and thoughtful, some lovely droll exchanges with Lewis and Hathaway and some emotional impact. The story draws one right in and never lets go, with gripping twists and turns. There is also a real effort to properly develop all the ideas introduced rather than leaving questions in the balance. The characters are well written and engaging and the murders are pretty creepy. The support acting is very good.
In summary, impressive but not as good on re-watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Although 'Lewis' did start off promisingly it was Season 2 where it hit its stride and things felt more settled. In my review for my overall overview of the show, there was mention of "Life Born of Fire" being a particularly strong episode. On re-watch it doesn't fare quite as good and for me no longer a highlight, "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" and "Music to Die For" are much better Season 2 episodes. It is still an impressive episode with a lot of what makes 'Lewis' such a pleasure evident, and the character of Innocent is an improvement on before and has more to so.
The killer is very much guessable halfway through, as well as their motives and past. The ending, while with some tension, is rather far-fetched too.
On the other hand, the acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, advantaged by that Lewis is much more developed and as said he has more development. Clare Holman adds a lot. Fox is a breath of fresh air in a great contrasting role that reminds one of a more intelligent Lewis in his younger days and his sparkling sparring chemistry with Whately is a big part of the episode's, and show's, appeal.
Production values are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot (some of the best of the show at this point), and Oxford not only looks exquisite but is like a supporting character in itself. Barrington Pheloung returns as composer, and does a first-rate job. The theme tune, while not as iconic or quite as clever as Morse's, is very pleasant to listen to, the episode is charmingly and hauntingly scored and the use of pre-existing music is very well-incorporated, will probably not see Stravinsky "The Firebird" the same again due to the haunting utilization.
Much of the writing is smart and thoughtful, some lovely droll exchanges with Lewis and Hathaway and some emotional impact. The story draws one right in and never lets go, with gripping twists and turns. There is also a real effort to properly develop all the ideas introduced rather than leaving questions in the balance. The characters are well written and engaging and the murders are pretty creepy. The support acting is very good.
In summary, impressive but not as good on re-watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•126
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 9, 2017
Details
- Runtime1 hour 33 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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