Ghost in the Machine

Another excellent episode of Inspector Morse. Very intriguing especially as it is not initially a murder. Things develop, rather start with a death: we initially have a simple break-in, then a murder, then possibly a suicide, then...

The banter between Morse and Lewis is particularly good in this one and Lewis is at last getting some shots in. I particularly liked the Maria Callas dialogue early on in the episode: Lewis: That was a nice tune. Who was singing?

Morse (in his usual patronising tone). That, Lewis, was Maria Callas.

Lewis: Oh, is she in Cats?

The episode also introduces to the new pathologist, Dr Russell. While I liked Max, Dr Russell is a wonderful new addition and a breath of fresh air in the show.

The Ghost in The Machine is a beautifully constructed episode, and is up there with Morse's best. It is hugely advantaged by stunning scenery, that house especially was a revelation. There is also a lovely soundtrack, Puccini's Tosca in one scene was very powerful and later proves significant. The plot consists of an aristocrat going missing, as does his paintings. He is later found dead, but the question is did he commit suicide or was he murdered? The episodes also uncovers vulgar art, another murder, and pornography. Thaw and Whately are excellent, and Patricia Hodge was excellent as the wonderfully sophisticated and composed Lady Hanbury. Michael Thomas is very handsome as McKendrick, and I liked the lady who played the french maid Michelle. If I have one minor criticism, it would be I do kind of miss Peter Woodthorpe as Max, though Amanda Hillwood was lovely as Dr Russell. All in all, excellent. 10/10 Bethany Cox.

The mystery itself is unmemorable, but that's okay. Instead, we get more of a focus on the characters. This episode pares it down to the basics - lots of Morse and Lewis banter, a reasonably-paced investigation, not too many suspects, a crazy-complex solution (but, for once, fairly comprehensible.) Max has made his exit, and Morse's first multiple-episode love interest has appeared in the person of Dr. Russell. She is a sort of Laura Hobson prototype, but doesn't get too much time here, since this is really a buddy- cop episode.

Lewis, usually Morse's long-suffering dogsbody, manages to not only get in quite a few zingers at his grumpy boss, but essentially solve the case. He refuses to let favoritism (towards, say, beautiful rich women) cloud his vision. Thaw and Whately are at their best here, having by now established a solid rapport. Also very good is the chilly lady of the manor.

Thoroughly enjoyable. The story was put together with immaculate precision. It involves a rich woman, a master manipulator, who thought she had total control, but couldn't avoid reprisal. This woman is wealthy beyond belief, living in a huge mansion. One day a couple pieces of priceless art are stolen and before long, the husband is found dead in a family mausoleum. His face has been destroyed with blows from perhaps a sledgehammer. But, as is the case with many of the Morse episodes, there are underground tremors from revenge and spite. I especially enjoyed how the whole thing is unravelled, making real sense. Also, the aforementioned woman is absolutely hateful, testing Morse's mettle.

Morse firstly investigates the disappearance of some missing artwork, then secondly investigates the disappearance of the owner of the slightly lurid works.

The crime itself is pretty good, though not the deepest crime the pair would investigate, but would contain some of the richest characters in the show's history. Morse often took on the aristocracy, but none like Lady Hanbury. Great music, and the usual wonderful production values, the setting is one of the finest in the land.

Lady Hanbury is a wonderful character, so elegant and entitled, Patricia Hodge gives an incredibly memorable performance. Patsy Byrne was great also, well cast.

Peter Woodthorpe is much missed as Max, although his replacement was great, and would have some terrific scenes with Morse.

Very good, 8/10.