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' started off promisingly with the pilot episode "Reputation" and Season 1 mostly lived up to its potential, although a few elements were still settling. "Whom the Gods Would Destroy" fared best of Season 1, starting the season with a bang. "Old School Ties" to me was a better than given credit for episode, it wasn't faultless but had a lot of very good things. "Expiation" was the weakest and while pretty good it was a little disappointing and had its share of flaws. It was with Season 2 where 'Lewis' started to hit its stride, as exemplified with this fantastic season opener "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" from personal opinion corrected the faults that Season 1 had. The dialogue was stronger, it feels more settled generally, Lewis has more development and Innocent doesn't frustrate anywhere near as much.
The acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, and as said he has more development. Clare Holman adds a lot. Hayden Gwynne, Neil Person and Tom Riley give strong supporting turns, their characters intriguing.
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.
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, intimate poetry and tension. The ending is a surprise and isn't far-fetched.
Overall, fantastic. 10/10 Bethany Cox
'Lewis' started off promisingly with the pilot episode "Reputation" and Season 1 mostly lived up to its potential, although a few elements were still settling. "Whom the Gods Would Destroy" fared best of Season 1, starting the season with a bang. "Old School Ties" to me was a better than given credit for episode, it wasn't faultless but had a lot of very good things. "Expiation" was the weakest and while pretty good it was a little disappointing and had its share of flaws. It was with Season 2 where 'Lewis' started to hit its stride, as exemplified with this fantastic season opener "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" from personal opinion corrected the faults that Season 1 had. The dialogue was stronger, it feels more settled generally, Lewis has more development and Innocent doesn't frustrate anywhere near as much.
The acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, and as said he has more development. Clare Holman adds a lot. Hayden Gwynne, Neil Person and Tom Riley give strong supporting turns, their characters intriguing.
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.
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, intimate poetry and tension. The ending is a surprise and isn't far-fetched.
Overall, fantastic. 10/10 Bethany Cox