The Dead of Jericho

I love watching 1980s-1990s British mysteries and Inspector Morse definitely doesn't disappoint. Nostalgic cosy feeling while watching these great mysteries.

This was the first book to be filmed but the 5th book to be written. I can't understand why there is a mystery about Morse's first name as it would have to be included in every witness statement he made and spoken every time he gave evidence.

For most of the episode he doesn't appear to have anything to do and he just wanders about interfering with someone else's case. Chief Superintendent Grout explains that he did not get promoted because of his attitude. If this was true he would never have made it to CHief Inspector.

Having got that off my chest, I have to say that I really love John Thaw and the Inspector Morse series.

Others have described the episode quite well.

I just finished watching, The Dead of Jericho, Inspector Morse's first detective case in the series, and mine too. Nothing short of immersive, in-depth, nuanced, with tons of plot twists.

The link between Sophocles and vintage Literature is in consonance with the series old world Oxford setting. These are in turn juxtaposed with Inspector Morse's unorthodox ways of carrying out his work, an experience that closely resembles life.

There is so much to study and enjoy in this detective series, mainly because I am a whodunnit fan. Ive been a follower of the crime and mystery genre as a reader and book reviewer for a long time. Inspector Morse is a class by himself. His solitary persona, impeccable intelligence, need to problem solve while enjoying opera, and being ahead of the curve, is some of the reasons one feels Morse is a 'real' person. And he is. Morse embodies our cavalier side, our inner belief in ourselves; and yet he also shows his vulnerability by seeking company to toss around his thoughts and theories with a subordinate who should know better than to make excuses to go home to his family. A typical side-kick who doesn't realise the gem that is Morse, because his blinkers are on. Hopefully, Morse's dynamic way of thinking will rub on Louis in time.

Let me just say, each minute is worth watching and yet there is no wastage of time in an episode that goes further than 1.5 hours.

After binging on Midsomer Murders, this is a different ball game. An upgrade from Economy Plus (mind you, I love Midsomer Murders) to First Class. On any airlines.

Detective stories are my guilty pleasure. Yet, this is more than a detective story. It is a story about a detective, who is nuanced, weak, flawed, brilliant and taking on too much. Yes, he has his drink to drown his sorrows and disappointments, but it is as if the eternal companion eludes him. If only he had a cat, or a dog to come home to.

Looking forward to the second episode in the first series. Morse, by the way, is my father's favourite detective series. I had to find out why.

Inspector Morse is just amazing, with complex characters, well outlined stories, and well-crafted scripts. The first episode The Dead of Jericho is just brilliant, you can't help cheering, when Morse arrives on screen in the Jaguar to Vivaldi's Gloria. I don't think Dead Of Jericho is the best Morse episode, but it definitely worth a watch, and I couldn't fault it really. I loved the soundtrack; when Morse is listening to Porgi Amor from Marriage of Figaro with a sad expression on his face, I just wanted to reach into the television and hug him. John Thaw is magnificent in the title role, maintaining that standard all the way through the series' run. Thaw adopted a more likable and sensitive character than his novelistic counterpart, and it is this portrayal that I do prefer. Kevin Whately also shines as Lewis, a young and quite charming character, who when compared to Morse couldn't be more different, and it is the characters' relationships toward each other that make the series so compelling. Also worth noting are contributions from the late Patrick Troughton as the blackmailing neighbour,Gemma Jones as the unfortunate Anne, James Laurenson as the "prime suspect" and the lovely Annie Lambert as his fiery wife. The script is well crafted, and there is an intriguing unpredictable storyline, and while it isn't faithful to the book, it is still an excellent episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox.

The first episode of the iconic Inspector Morse series, sees the enigmatic Detective investigate the death of a woman he was attracted to.

A fantastic start to the series, no wonder the entire nation fell in love with Morse and the show, John Thaw became Colin Dexter's character, watching it now it's hard to believe it was the first episode, John Thaw and Kevin Whately were both effortlessly brilliant in their respective roles, the relationship between the characters began in such a different way.

They made a fantastic job of casting in this opening episode, Gemma Jones was excellent as Anne. Troughton was a superb addition, great to see him play such a different role, he was really creepy in this. James Laurenson too, just great.

Cracking opener, 8/10