Inspector George Gently is a tremendous series and "Breathe in the Air" is a terrific episode. My only mild criticism is that Gently appears to be a politically correct figure from the 21st Century who has been transplanted back into the 1960's. It has to be said that Martin Shaw seems to know how to pick well-crafted and socially aware dramas after his previous sterling work in the mysteriously cancelled "Judge John Deed". There will be some who see this sort of writing as leftist corporation-bashing. They were probably the apologists for corporations who
.surprise,surprise
..seem to have virtually got away scot free with multiple financial scandals
.apart from some trivial fines
. PPI, Libor & FX rigging, the 2008 debacle. Sadly I could go on. But, the programme is well acted, written, directed and produced. Something for the production team and the BBC to be very proud of.
8 Reviews
A first class epsiode.
Sleepin_Dragon23 November 2020
I've accidentally watched Series Seven out of sequence, but the standard throughout was excellent, this is the best of the lot however.
Series Seven has all been about change, this one is focused on change within Gently's department, a promotion for Bacchus, and an opportunity for Gemma.
It's been interesting how Bacchus has changed throughout the course of the show, he was loathsome early on, now though he's a good guy, his boss however, the eternal Gentleman.
A wonderful, engaging, clever mystery, with asbestos at its heart, I always thought the problems associated with asbestos came to prevalence much later on, I had no idea it was a thing back then.
Some astonishing acting, and some really interested, convincing characters, Jason Done was excellent as Cullen, his face seems to fit the era incredibly well.
Superb attention to detail, cars, costumes, the bar etc, where on Earth to they find these locations?
Even by this show's high standards, this was terrific, 10/10.
Series Seven has all been about change, this one is focused on change within Gently's department, a promotion for Bacchus, and an opportunity for Gemma.
It's been interesting how Bacchus has changed throughout the course of the show, he was loathsome early on, now though he's a good guy, his boss however, the eternal Gentleman.
A wonderful, engaging, clever mystery, with asbestos at its heart, I always thought the problems associated with asbestos came to prevalence much later on, I had no idea it was a thing back then.
Some astonishing acting, and some really interested, convincing characters, Jason Done was excellent as Cullen, his face seems to fit the era incredibly well.
Superb attention to detail, cars, costumes, the bar etc, where on Earth to they find these locations?
Even by this show's high standards, this was terrific, 10/10.
Gently with Improvement- A Well-Done Episode
livapr997 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
What an excellent, top-notch episode this week! Much better than the last, with a really affecting plot and brilliant characterisation.
Unlike the previous episode, this one provides ample insight into the lives of the main characters as well as into the actual murder enquiry itself. Spinning the tale of a suicidal GP, Gently begins to investigate the goings on in a linings mill within the boundaries of Rachel's small hometown, where she and her friend Esther used to play until she died of cancer at fifteen years due to asbestos poisoning.
Also in this episode, we see the proposed promotion of both Bacchus and Coles to DI and DS, respectively, and some great moments between the pair, one of which has Coles becoming fed up with John griping over a splinter and her resorting to yanking it out with ol' fashioned tape.
The relationship between Bacchus and Gemma is also handled much more effectively this week, actually reading like a heart-felt goodbye between two grown people in their late thirties than a false promise made by a teenager.
Bacchus, while remaining his usual cock-sure self, is more tolerable and genuinely likable this week, played excellently by Ingleby, but the real star here is McGrillis, showing the sensitive, fragile side to Rachel's character extremely well. Shaw is out-shined by his two subordinates, they're that good, and I hope that if Bacchus does become our lead that the friendship between these two great characters will blossom fully.
Plus, we get a little moon landings easter egg among the mystery, making audience members such as myself- a landings nut- sing praises.
Heartfelt, well-written and executed brilliantly, this is what detective shows should be- top-notch, quality who-dunnits with well-done story-telling and great character development. Excellent- a huge improvement on last week!
Unlike the previous episode, this one provides ample insight into the lives of the main characters as well as into the actual murder enquiry itself. Spinning the tale of a suicidal GP, Gently begins to investigate the goings on in a linings mill within the boundaries of Rachel's small hometown, where she and her friend Esther used to play until she died of cancer at fifteen years due to asbestos poisoning.
Also in this episode, we see the proposed promotion of both Bacchus and Coles to DI and DS, respectively, and some great moments between the pair, one of which has Coles becoming fed up with John griping over a splinter and her resorting to yanking it out with ol' fashioned tape.
The relationship between Bacchus and Gemma is also handled much more effectively this week, actually reading like a heart-felt goodbye between two grown people in their late thirties than a false promise made by a teenager.
Bacchus, while remaining his usual cock-sure self, is more tolerable and genuinely likable this week, played excellently by Ingleby, but the real star here is McGrillis, showing the sensitive, fragile side to Rachel's character extremely well. Shaw is out-shined by his two subordinates, they're that good, and I hope that if Bacchus does become our lead that the friendship between these two great characters will blossom fully.
Plus, we get a little moon landings easter egg among the mystery, making audience members such as myself- a landings nut- sing praises.
Heartfelt, well-written and executed brilliantly, this is what detective shows should be- top-notch, quality who-dunnits with well-done story-telling and great character development. Excellent- a huge improvement on last week!
Suicide and asbestos
Tweekums6 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
When a doctor, Valerie Cullen, is found dead in a remote spot it looks like an open and shut case; suicide. However Gently isn't so sure and starts looking into her life. She was a local GP but lived in a rundown industrial area where the factory had closed a few years previously. It turns out it was also the childhood home of WPC Rachel Coles who's best friend died of cancer when she was just fifteen. It quickly becomes apparent that Dr Cullen had been looking into what happened at the factory and how it is linked to serious health problems in the area. Many people, including her estranged husband wished she'd keep her nose out. He previously had responsibility for the health of the workers but now he has a job lined up with the Swiss company that bought out the old factory. As Gently leads the investigation he comes up against the Swiss company's powerful lawyers who are quick to litigate against anybody who even hints that they knowingly turned a blind eye to the connection between asbestos at the factory and people's illnesses. Meanwhile Bacchus is due to be promoted to Detective Inspector and Gently urges WPC Coles to become a Detective Sergeant.
This was another case where Gently raises an issue while investigating a death; in this case the way some industries ignored safety in pursuit of profit then tried to deny all knowledge of it. It was interesting to have a suspicious death that turned out to be just what was first suspected it merely served to bring the story onto the real plot. The white collar villains came across as just as unpleasant as the more usual murderers as they act as though the workers didn't matter. It was unclear until quite near the end whether the truth would come out which kept things interesting. The story deals with the workers ailments well and leaves us wondering about Rachel who we know grew up there and even played with the deadly asbestos, not knowing how dangerous it was. Having learnt of Gently's illness last week it will be interesting to see if Bacchus and Cole's promotions are setting things up for a new series much like 'Lewis' took over from 'Inspector Morse'.
This was another case where Gently raises an issue while investigating a death; in this case the way some industries ignored safety in pursuit of profit then tried to deny all knowledge of it. It was interesting to have a suspicious death that turned out to be just what was first suspected it merely served to bring the story onto the real plot. The white collar villains came across as just as unpleasant as the more usual murderers as they act as though the workers didn't matter. It was unclear until quite near the end whether the truth would come out which kept things interesting. The story deals with the workers ailments well and leaves us wondering about Rachel who we know grew up there and even played with the deadly asbestos, not knowing how dangerous it was. Having learnt of Gently's illness last week it will be interesting to see if Bacchus and Cole's promotions are setting things up for a new series much like 'Lewis' took over from 'Inspector Morse'.
...don't be afraid to care
grantss15 August 2022
A brilliant episode of Gently. Not your usual whodunnit - this doesn't have a murder (not directly, at least). However, this examines something far bigger and insidious than that. Also very emotional as we see the effects of this on people.
A stand-out episode for Lisa McGrillis as WPC Rachel Coles. Coles was already a great addtion to the team and through being resourceful and level-headed provided a wonderful counterpoint to Bacchus's lack of tact and tolerance.
She was always #3 though but here she gets much more exposure, to Bacchus's detriment and our advantage. The writing for her character is great and McGrillis does a fantastic job as Coles.
A stand-out episode for Lisa McGrillis as WPC Rachel Coles. Coles was already a great addtion to the team and through being resourceful and level-headed provided a wonderful counterpoint to Bacchus's lack of tact and tolerance.
She was always #3 though but here she gets much more exposure, to Bacchus's detriment and our advantage. The writing for her character is great and McGrillis does a fantastic job as Coles.
Tragic hit home
TheLittleSongbird4 June 2018
As a huge fan of detective/crime/mystery series, there is the admission that it took me a while to start watching 'Inspector George Gently', worrying as to whether it would appeal to me for "can't put my finger on it" reasons other than being young at the time and not being as knowledgeable of the period. Getting into the show eight years ago and continuing to watch it without fail, it turned out to be simply wonderful and actually became a favourite.
After a very solid, if still settling, start in "Gently Go Man", it felt like 'Inspector George Gently' started to hit its stride with "The Burning Man" and that continued with "Bomber's Moon". The show hit a high point with "Gently with the Innocents" and the high point standards applies here again in "Breathe in the Air". There is a lot here that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it shows that it is not at all hard to see why the show appeals to many.
"Breathe in the Air" shows 'Inspector George Gently' still delivering on a consistent level, no bad episodes up to this point. It is indicative that the show has found its feet and hit its stride. It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of other episodes that tackled daring themes, yet there is the tension and tautness and genuinely poignant execution of the tragic elements. Love the development for Rachel.
However, "Breathe in the Air", like the rest of the show, looks great, often beautiful. It is strikingly filmed and the scenery and period detail are atmospheric, handsome and evocative, a lot of work and care went into re-creating the period and it definitely shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing has a lot of thought-provoking intelligence and balances subtle humour and drama very well and executing both individually just as well. The direction is alert and accommodating and the story is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. "Breathe in the Air", and 'Inspector Gently' in general, is very interesting for how British law was like in the 60s and how much it's changed and come on compared to now.
Love the chemistry between Gently and Bacchus, one of the most interesting and well-contrasted detective/crime/mystery drama pairings (perhaps the most interesting since Morse and Lewis). The two couldn't have more different personalities and how they gel and clash entertains and intrigues. Both are fascinating characters, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed.
Can't fault the acting, the continually brilliant performances from Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby here and throughout the show are career highs for both actors. All the support is good.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
After a very solid, if still settling, start in "Gently Go Man", it felt like 'Inspector George Gently' started to hit its stride with "The Burning Man" and that continued with "Bomber's Moon". The show hit a high point with "Gently with the Innocents" and the high point standards applies here again in "Breathe in the Air". There is a lot here that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it shows that it is not at all hard to see why the show appeals to many.
"Breathe in the Air" shows 'Inspector George Gently' still delivering on a consistent level, no bad episodes up to this point. It is indicative that the show has found its feet and hit its stride. It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of other episodes that tackled daring themes, yet there is the tension and tautness and genuinely poignant execution of the tragic elements. Love the development for Rachel.
However, "Breathe in the Air", like the rest of the show, looks great, often beautiful. It is strikingly filmed and the scenery and period detail are atmospheric, handsome and evocative, a lot of work and care went into re-creating the period and it definitely shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing has a lot of thought-provoking intelligence and balances subtle humour and drama very well and executing both individually just as well. The direction is alert and accommodating and the story is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. "Breathe in the Air", and 'Inspector Gently' in general, is very interesting for how British law was like in the 60s and how much it's changed and come on compared to now.
Love the chemistry between Gently and Bacchus, one of the most interesting and well-contrasted detective/crime/mystery drama pairings (perhaps the most interesting since Morse and Lewis). The two couldn't have more different personalities and how they gel and clash entertains and intrigues. Both are fascinating characters, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed.
Can't fault the acting, the continually brilliant performances from Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby here and throughout the show are career highs for both actors. All the support is good.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
A brilliant dramatisation of a genuine subject.
info-4090723 March 2024
This episode is excellent. Martin Shaw plays it brilliantly, but I really do have to mention Lisa McGillis as Rachael, an excellent actor.
If I could give this 11 stars, I would.
A storey of corruption, disinformation, and corporate cover up, thankfully, it's a drama. Surely if it was based on true events this would be a documentary, an exposé of corruption, disinformation and corporate cover ups!
A must watch if you have any interest, be it personal or professional, in asbestos, this is the best dramatisation of mesothelioma I have ever seen. I have it in my favourites on sky, and watch it a couple of times per year.
If I could give this 11 stars, I would.
A storey of corruption, disinformation, and corporate cover up, thankfully, it's a drama. Surely if it was based on true events this would be a documentary, an exposé of corruption, disinformation and corporate cover ups!
A must watch if you have any interest, be it personal or professional, in asbestos, this is the best dramatisation of mesothelioma I have ever seen. I have it in my favourites on sky, and watch it a couple of times per year.
Just When You Thought it was Safe to Watch Gently
Warin_West-El3 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The worst aspects of Season Five are manifesting again.
The filmmakers are once again attempting to turn this series into a soap opera. For example: John Bacchus is behaving like a teenager (again). So we're forced to watch long scenes totally meaningless to the plot, concerning his roller coaster relationship with a married woman. WHO CARES?
The only redeeming scene for that character was when Rachel Coles helped him with a splinter in his hand. Then John asks Rachel to join the ride along with Gently.
By using up screen time with John and Gemma Nunn, the audience was deprived of background scenes of how Anna Zweig and Andrew Cullen met and became a couple behind Valerie's back.
I fast-forwarded through several scenes, which is something I hadn't done the entirety of Season Six. The underlying story of this episode was excellent. But the intrusive soap opera scenes were maddening.
The filmmakers are once again attempting to turn this series into a soap opera. For example: John Bacchus is behaving like a teenager (again). So we're forced to watch long scenes totally meaningless to the plot, concerning his roller coaster relationship with a married woman. WHO CARES?
The only redeeming scene for that character was when Rachel Coles helped him with a splinter in his hand. Then John asks Rachel to join the ride along with Gently.
By using up screen time with John and Gemma Nunn, the audience was deprived of background scenes of how Anna Zweig and Andrew Cullen met and became a couple behind Valerie's back.
I fast-forwarded through several scenes, which is something I hadn't done the entirety of Season Six. The underlying story of this episode was excellent. But the intrusive soap opera scenes were maddening.
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