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.
"Expiation" is a good episode with a lot to recommend. Personally think however that it is the weakest episode of Season 1 ("Whom the Gods Would Destroy" was the best), with some glaring problems, but it is not a bad episode, far from it. Lewis' conduct is highly questionable throughout. It was a turn off for the child characters to be pretty unconcerned. Innocent was not an interesting, well-written or likable character, Rebecca Front deserved better than this. A few things could have been explained a little bit better. Lastly, to me, the identity of the murderer was too obvious too early, which was a shame after the murderers were so shocking in the previous episode.
However, the acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, even if Lewis becomes better developed later. 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. Clare Holman is reliably strong too.
As to be expected, the production values in "Expiation" are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot, 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.
Much of the writing is smart and thoughtful, some lovely droll exchanges with Lewis and Hathaway and some emotional impact. The story starts off promisingly, with a lot of twists and turns and tension, the climax is pretty nail-biting.
In conclusion, good but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Expiation" is a good episode with a lot to recommend. Personally think however that it is the weakest episode of Season 1 ("Whom the Gods Would Destroy" was the best), with some glaring problems, but it is not a bad episode, far from it. Lewis' conduct is highly questionable throughout. It was a turn off for the child characters to be pretty unconcerned. Innocent was not an interesting, well-written or likable character, Rebecca Front deserved better than this. A few things could have been explained a little bit better. Lastly, to me, the identity of the murderer was too obvious too early, which was a shame after the murderers were so shocking in the previous episode.
However, the acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, even if Lewis becomes better developed later. 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. Clare Holman is reliably strong too.
As to be expected, the production values in "Expiation" are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot, 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.
Much of the writing is smart and thoughtful, some lovely droll exchanges with Lewis and Hathaway and some emotional impact. The story starts off promisingly, with a lot of twists and turns and tension, the climax is pretty nail-biting.
In conclusion, good but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox