I have just watched this for the first time and quite enjoyed it. Although this sticks to a tried and tested Britisg TV formula's (rural setting, set in the past, a wise old weary detective schooling a enthusiastic your Police man) this is enjoyable stuff. I am not familiar with the source material so do not know how faithful it is, but I found the a well written script with believable characters. Martin Shaw showed the right amount of world weariness and intelligence to give the tittle character the right amount of depth and he is ably supported by a quality British cast. A special mention must go out to the always excellent Phil Davis who brings a real touch of menace to the lead villain. I presume this TV movie was a feeler to see if it could be developed in to a series which I think it has potential to do. They will need to flesh out some more support characters and I think they will be better of sticking to one of TV films like the truly great Morse.
10 Reviews
Great start to the series
grantss17 July 2022
The epsiode that introduces us to DCI George Gently (and DS Bacchus) and it's a great one. We see Gently's history, his current state and the events that shape the rest of the series. A good murder mystery too.
Also interesting to see Sean Evans in a minor, early-career role. Five years later he would be playing Morse in 'Endeavour'.
Can't wait for Episode 2.
Also interesting to see Sean Evans in a minor, early-career role. Five years later he would be playing Morse in 'Endeavour'.
Can't wait for Episode 2.
Gently and subtly
uroskin15 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
UKTV has started screening a terrific cop series here in New Zealand. Inspector George Gently has the appearance of a run-of-the-mill detective series but its setting in 1960s rural England makes it interesting. The death penalty was still in force and enforced, which makes a conviction for murder a risky affair for your own life. The lack of modern gadgetry in crime solving such as DNA testing, cellphones and computer databases are still decades away. It makes for so much better drama when it is all about the relationships of the protagonists, the criminal motives and the psychological games played between the 'cops and robbers'. Hence the popularity of series like Cracker, Inspector Morse and (even) Waking The Dead.
Male homosexuality was verboten at the time but that didn't make it invisible or unknown and it featured as a crucial subplot in the first episode. The hotel lobby scene, gay "Brief Encouter"-esque in feel if not linked to the reality of the scene, turned the frisson between the closet and the contemporary illegality into a marvellously subtle criticism of the law's nonsense. The waiter, in the briefest of appearances, gave a brilliant performance on how to skirt the sensitivity of the subject professionally. And Martin Shaw's face was priceless at the hapless Bacchus. "I'm not like that, I'm married!" still echoes down the ages as the truth that dares not speak out.
What I also liked (in episode zero at least) was that despite the psychotic revenge binge the Philip Davis character embarked on, the actual violence or gore was barely shown and the horror was implied off-screen, which makes it a very classical Greek-style drama.
Male homosexuality was verboten at the time but that didn't make it invisible or unknown and it featured as a crucial subplot in the first episode. The hotel lobby scene, gay "Brief Encouter"-esque in feel if not linked to the reality of the scene, turned the frisson between the closet and the contemporary illegality into a marvellously subtle criticism of the law's nonsense. The waiter, in the briefest of appearances, gave a brilliant performance on how to skirt the sensitivity of the subject professionally. And Martin Shaw's face was priceless at the hapless Bacchus. "I'm not like that, I'm married!" still echoes down the ages as the truth that dares not speak out.
What I also liked (in episode zero at least) was that despite the psychotic revenge binge the Philip Davis character embarked on, the actual violence or gore was barely shown and the horror was implied off-screen, which makes it a very classical Greek-style drama.
Best police duo since Morse and Lewis
pawebster21 April 2007
Excellent acting here. Lee Ingleby is particularly good, as ever. Martin Shaw is also on form, away from the laughable Judge John Deed series. They make a good pair, as they both have a strong and distinct manner and personality. ITV would have done better to take Ingleby instead of Fox for their Lewis series.
My only query is the accents. Considering that Bacchus is said to have attended the same school as the motorcyclists, how come Richard Armitage's character speaks Geordie, whereas Ingleby has only touches of that, and to my non-expert ears basically sounds like someone from Yorkshire?
The story is good, and the supporting cast is made up of top-class actors doing their stuff.
This cries out to be made into a series. I hope it will be.
My only query is the accents. Considering that Bacchus is said to have attended the same school as the motorcyclists, how come Richard Armitage's character speaks Geordie, whereas Ingleby has only touches of that, and to my non-expert ears basically sounds like someone from Yorkshire?
The story is good, and the supporting cast is made up of top-class actors doing their stuff.
This cries out to be made into a series. I hope it will be.
George Gently debuts
TheLittleSongbird24 May 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.
"Gently Go Man" is a very solid start to this wonderful show, although there are signs of finding its feet (understandable and very common in television) and there are better episodes since when things became more settled and fresher and the stories richer and more complex. There is a lot here already that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it definitely makes one want to carry on watching.
Will agree that some of the accents are on the patchy side and there are familiar tropes here that have been done with more freshness elsewhere.
However, "Gently Go Man", 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 shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing already shows 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, despite having an air of familiarity at times and not as rich as other stories for other episodes, is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. "Gently Go Man", 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 already, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed, Bacchus' response to be assumed gay was a very memorable line and reminds one of the attitudes towards homosexuality at the time.
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. Phil Davis is suitably unnerving.
Overall, very good and solid. 8/10 Bethany Cox
"Gently Go Man" is a very solid start to this wonderful show, although there are signs of finding its feet (understandable and very common in television) and there are better episodes since when things became more settled and fresher and the stories richer and more complex. There is a lot here already that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it definitely makes one want to carry on watching.
Will agree that some of the accents are on the patchy side and there are familiar tropes here that have been done with more freshness elsewhere.
However, "Gently Go Man", 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 shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing already shows 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, despite having an air of familiarity at times and not as rich as other stories for other episodes, is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. "Gently Go Man", 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 already, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed, Bacchus' response to be assumed gay was a very memorable line and reminds one of the attitudes towards homosexuality at the time.
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. Phil Davis is suitably unnerving.
Overall, very good and solid. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Solid and sturdy (if that is all you are looking for)
bob the moo12 May 2007
When his wife is killed in a hit and run, George Gently decides to take early retirement and get out of the policing business. However a dead motorcyclist and a tip-off from an informant sees him heading up north to lead the investigation. With young and ambitious partner John Bacchus alongside him, the investigation begins but as well as trying to solve the crime, Gently is also suspicious of all around him, including the ethics and background of Bacchus.
Not sure what motivated me to start watching this Sunday evening television drama, Sunday nights generally being the place where the drama specials are safe, unchallenging affairs designed to ease the weekend to a close. Although this film was more of a cop drama than things like Midsummer's Murders, it does still fit this mould by being a straightforward cop thriller that is as craggy and familiar as Martin Shaw's face. The plot moves forward with a so-so pace but it doesn't have any depth, as the various threads only seem tacked on rather than explored. Likewise the characters tend to be very "sturdy" rather than dynamic and interesting. This approach is played all though the film and the result is a very sturdy and solid drama that does enough to distract without doing anything of note to make it worth seeking out.
"Safe hands" Shaw delivers the performance that he is expected to; some people like it, personally I couldn't care less. He does fit the film though as he strolls through the piece with a stiff air. Ingleby's presence tickled me as I only knew him from that wonderful episode of Spaced where he is the leader of a gang of chavs from Romford. His performance is lively but it jars with the period and required more substance than he had access to in the script. The rest of the cast are so-so, with Phil Davis menacing but looking like he has stumbled in from another film.
Overall then a solid but unremarkable police drama that will do you if you're after something undemanding that won't keep you up late before work on Monday.
Not sure what motivated me to start watching this Sunday evening television drama, Sunday nights generally being the place where the drama specials are safe, unchallenging affairs designed to ease the weekend to a close. Although this film was more of a cop drama than things like Midsummer's Murders, it does still fit this mould by being a straightforward cop thriller that is as craggy and familiar as Martin Shaw's face. The plot moves forward with a so-so pace but it doesn't have any depth, as the various threads only seem tacked on rather than explored. Likewise the characters tend to be very "sturdy" rather than dynamic and interesting. This approach is played all though the film and the result is a very sturdy and solid drama that does enough to distract without doing anything of note to make it worth seeking out.
"Safe hands" Shaw delivers the performance that he is expected to; some people like it, personally I couldn't care less. He does fit the film though as he strolls through the piece with a stiff air. Ingleby's presence tickled me as I only knew him from that wonderful episode of Spaced where he is the leader of a gang of chavs from Romford. His performance is lively but it jars with the period and required more substance than he had access to in the script. The rest of the cast are so-so, with Phil Davis menacing but looking like he has stumbled in from another film.
Overall then a solid but unremarkable police drama that will do you if you're after something undemanding that won't keep you up late before work on Monday.
Little disappointed the lack of mystery in the story.
vitoscotti10 September 2023
I'm a huge fan of British detective mysteries. Thought I'd finally try "Inspector George Gently". Hardcore detective with the villain figured out early than putting him down isn't really my cup of tea. Too common American TV like. But, for this said the story was a good worthwhile view. Just not a true detective mystery. Actually it was so good I'll keep watching the series to see how it progresses even with my disappointment. Martin Shaw as George Gently is an excellent character. Takes awhile to get used to how odd looking he is. Lee Ingleby as John Bacchus is an interesting pairing with Gently. The story was very bleak, violent and depressing. A lighter human element was missing that is present in "Midsomer Murders, " A Touch of Frost" and other shows more to my liking.
The ridiculous clean cut motorcycle gang in brand new leather jackets and bikes wearing scarfs reminded me of 60s "Beach Blanket Bingo" motorcycle gangs. Bacchus a known on the street detective sent out undercover in his overcoat yet was a script problem. The actor Phil Davis playing Joe Webster bore a resemblance to Gary Busey. I like the lack of PC woke political correctness. Too heavy on male screen time. Hopefully more glammed up starlets in the future but I'm doubting it will happen.
The ridiculous clean cut motorcycle gang in brand new leather jackets and bikes wearing scarfs reminded me of 60s "Beach Blanket Bingo" motorcycle gangs. Bacchus a known on the street detective sent out undercover in his overcoat yet was a script problem. The actor Phil Davis playing Joe Webster bore a resemblance to Gary Busey. I like the lack of PC woke political correctness. Too heavy on male screen time. Hopefully more glammed up starlets in the future but I'm doubting it will happen.
on the fence
blanche-21 February 2014
I've just seen my first -- and the first -- episode of George Gently, titled "Gently Go Man." The series takes place in the '60s. Inspector George Gently is devastated by the death of his wife Isabella, whom he met in Italy during the war. He thinks about retiring, but when a hit and run driver also kills a member of a biker gang, George goes back to work. He has heard that a man, whom he believes killed his wife, is in the area.
Gently is teamed up with an ambitious young man, John Bacchus. Bacchus is the chief constable's son-in-law, very rough around the edges, and quite aggressive. Gently is determined to get rid of corrupt police officers, and he believes that the local inspector, Setters, is corrupt and involved in the murder of an informant.
Working out this crime won't be easy. There is a gay subplot, a revenge motive, secrets, and lies.
On the surface, there's nothing new here -- an older, world-weary, intelligent officer paired with a younger, angrier one. This show is interesting because of the changes in British law since the '60s, demonstrated by the series. England had the death penalty, homosexuality was illegal, and there were no modern companions to crime-solving like DNA and computers. There were also no cell phones.
I'm on the fence and will have to see more episodes before I decide to continue with this series. Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby are both excellent, but there's something off-putting about both of them.
I have to say, given today's sensibility, the passionate reactions against homosexuality were very strong. The best was when someone assumed that Bacchus was gay and he yells, "I'm not like that. I'm married!" And it's quite a show where a waiter is an acting standout.
I'm going to try it again. It was a solid story with excellent performances. So many of these British crime shows have such an aura of pervasive sadness in the plot and/or in the characters. I think of American shows like The Closer and NCIS -- somehow they're less gritty.
Gently is teamed up with an ambitious young man, John Bacchus. Bacchus is the chief constable's son-in-law, very rough around the edges, and quite aggressive. Gently is determined to get rid of corrupt police officers, and he believes that the local inspector, Setters, is corrupt and involved in the murder of an informant.
Working out this crime won't be easy. There is a gay subplot, a revenge motive, secrets, and lies.
On the surface, there's nothing new here -- an older, world-weary, intelligent officer paired with a younger, angrier one. This show is interesting because of the changes in British law since the '60s, demonstrated by the series. England had the death penalty, homosexuality was illegal, and there were no modern companions to crime-solving like DNA and computers. There were also no cell phones.
I'm on the fence and will have to see more episodes before I decide to continue with this series. Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby are both excellent, but there's something off-putting about both of them.
I have to say, given today's sensibility, the passionate reactions against homosexuality were very strong. The best was when someone assumed that Bacchus was gay and he yells, "I'm not like that. I'm married!" And it's quite a show where a waiter is an acting standout.
I'm going to try it again. It was a solid story with excellent performances. So many of these British crime shows have such an aura of pervasive sadness in the plot and/or in the characters. I think of American shows like The Closer and NCIS -- somehow they're less gritty.
Misanthropic Gently
Johnny_West29 May 2022
I got to around twenty minutes and then gave up. George Gently is a major tool, a misanthrope, a rude jerk to everyone so far, and hard to watch or listen to.
I would hate to work with someone as self-important and incredibly rude as Gently, and even less to watch a TV show about such a major douchebag.
I would hate to work with someone as self-important and incredibly rude as Gently, and even less to watch a TV show about such a major douchebag.
Gently Go Man - Suspense and different
ctyankee126 July 2015
This is the first episode of this series.
It has many issues in the story and Gently is still grieving over his wife's murder. Bacchus is the new Sergeant with him and at times he has no respect and thinks things are funny when they are not. He also is a liar and not stopped by Gently when he is trying to get information from a suspects and carries on like it is okay.
Things I liked were not many. The suspense and acting were really good.
Things I did NOT like were many: Bacchus and other cops lieing to suspects to get them to confess, hitting suspects in the cell and Gently trying to mock Bacchus views on homosexuality.
A homosexual victim drew a picture of his lover on a Cross. This is very offensive to me because my GOD Jesus, died on the Cross for losers like in this episode. There is swearing and dirty talk in this as well as description of sadistic torture and violence.
Gently and Bacchus have guns and don't use them and a killer gets away in a car. They could have shot the tires but nothing makes sense in this episode. At the end, a killer is trapped and on the ground. Gently can kill him and Bacchus wants him to shoot. The killer wants him to be shot. He uses Gently's wife's name "Isabella" Gently says "There is meant to be a difference between us and them Sergeant" the killer responds "Yeah I got a pair of balls". At least Gently did not kill the killer.
Too many topics, Gently's grief, Bacchus' lies, homosexuality, drug dealing, corrupt cops, vengeance killing and English accents hard to understand.
I find that in general not just in this series but writers make fun of people that believe in God and use, symbols like the Cross, Churches and church people in a bad light. They have the free will to do this but in the end we will see who is in charge.
It has many issues in the story and Gently is still grieving over his wife's murder. Bacchus is the new Sergeant with him and at times he has no respect and thinks things are funny when they are not. He also is a liar and not stopped by Gently when he is trying to get information from a suspects and carries on like it is okay.
Things I liked were not many. The suspense and acting were really good.
Things I did NOT like were many: Bacchus and other cops lieing to suspects to get them to confess, hitting suspects in the cell and Gently trying to mock Bacchus views on homosexuality.
A homosexual victim drew a picture of his lover on a Cross. This is very offensive to me because my GOD Jesus, died on the Cross for losers like in this episode. There is swearing and dirty talk in this as well as description of sadistic torture and violence.
Gently and Bacchus have guns and don't use them and a killer gets away in a car. They could have shot the tires but nothing makes sense in this episode. At the end, a killer is trapped and on the ground. Gently can kill him and Bacchus wants him to shoot. The killer wants him to be shot. He uses Gently's wife's name "Isabella" Gently says "There is meant to be a difference between us and them Sergeant" the killer responds "Yeah I got a pair of balls". At least Gently did not kill the killer.
Too many topics, Gently's grief, Bacchus' lies, homosexuality, drug dealing, corrupt cops, vengeance killing and English accents hard to understand.
I find that in general not just in this series but writers make fun of people that believe in God and use, symbols like the Cross, Churches and church people in a bad light. They have the free will to do this but in the end we will see who is in charge.
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