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.
'Lewis' was a show that started off promisingly with the pilot and the first season, while getting even better with a more settled Season 2 where the show hit its stride. Season 3 was more of a mixed bag (not a bad season at all, but started a little disappointingly, though better than reputed, with one of the show's generally lesser episodes "Allegory of Love"). Season 4 generally was one of the better seasons of 'Lewis', with all the episodes very good to great, and Season 5 was solid with the only disappointment being "The Mind Has Mountains".
Season 6 started off very well with "The Soul of Genius", while "Generation of Vipers" was even better. Unfortunately, "Fearful Symmetry" was very disappointing and has always been one of my least favourite 'Lewis' episodes. On the other side of the coin, fortunately the season gets back on track with a great finale and its best episode "The Indelible Stain".
To me the identity of the murderer was not the biggest of surprises (not obvious as such but once things were narrowed down it became more guessable) and the "books are bad for your health" comment is an absolutely outrageous statement even for Lewis.
As always, 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. 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. Like too that he is becoming more of a dominating lead character, even if occasionally he shows some less likable traits like the odd bit of rudeness. Clare Holman adds a lot, and Innocent has been better written over time. The supporting cast are all strong and believable with engaging and pleasingly eccentric if not exactly likable characters, David Soul makes a good impression even with his screen time being quite short.
Production values are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot as always, 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.
Writing is smart and thought-provoking mostly and the story is gripping with enough twists and turns to keep one guessing until all is revealed. While the identity of the murderer wasn't so shocking, the motive and the climax weren't so easy to figure out, a good thing. Lewis' minor subplot with the fear of dentists is handled well and one who also hates the dentist (like me, though for different reasons other than toothache) can relate to him.
In conclusion, great episode and the best episode of the sixth season. 9/10 Bethany Cox
