The Dead of Jericho

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.

This is the first installment in the long running British detective series "Inspector Morse" which was based on the novels of Colin Dexter, and would run 33 episodes over 14 years.

Morse is middle aged, cynical and intellectual; he makes little if any effort to get along with people (even his superiors) but also displays a romantic streak despite an apparent lack of success in such relationships.

The story here is that of the apparent suicide of Anne Stavely (an acquaintance of Morse's that he was hoping for a more meaningful relationship with), raises questions in his mind that are not readily apparent to the investigating officer.

This episode would be scripted by Anthony Minghella who would return to script two other episodes but is now better known for his films which include The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley. This episodes director Alastair Reed would direct one other episode, but would be even more successful with two mini-series "Traffik" and "Tales of the City".

It should also be noted that this was one of episodes based directly upon one of Colin Dexter's novels, not all of the episodes would be based upon the novels.

The series star John Thaw (Chief Inspector Morse) had a prolific career which also included "The Sweeney" and "Kavanagh QC", Kevin Whately (Sergeant Lewis) would both assist Morse and act as a foil for his wit. Subsequent to the passing of John Thaw, a new series "Inspector Lewis" was launched with Whately's character now promoted.

The series is set for the most part in and around the City of Oxford and there are connections in a number of the episodes to the City's world renowned University.

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

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