Deadly Slumber

The usual high level of performance from the entire cast, and it feels like there were more really good plot twists and misdirections than in most episodes. I think the course of events to the final unknotting (I think it expresses what I mean more precisely than "denouement") makes this perhaps the darkest episode of the whole thirteen-year run.

There are some episodes of Morse that I re watch and often change my original rating, when I realise the episode isn't as good as I remember. However, this one, after re watching it again, probably more than a year later, I had to take it up take it up 3 points.

I think this is the real first time I really concentrated on it. I kind of remember who it sort of turns out to be. But having a look at how this twists and turns and how, for a change I can understand how Morse is stumped, as we all would be. It becomes extremely interesting as to how and why. I don't really want to give away anything as it is such an amazing plot, but my title gives it away a bit. The why and wherefore, and ending as many have said, is extremely satisfying, but also extremely sad.

This is well worth a very concentrated watch, to catch everything.

This certainly ranks near the top of the Morse mysteries. It involves the death of very rich man. It appears to be a carbon monoxide death but further evidence from the examiner shows that he was tied up and murdered. What this leads to is a case of a young woman who died during a routine surgery, performed by the dead man and his wife. There is a college aged son who is in the home, a student, and a host of other possible suspects. The most viable is the father of the dead girl who lost a court case where he charged negligence. What's great about this is the peaks and valleys that appear as Morse and Lewis ply their trade. We also have some examples of people who could be seen as purely evil being much more complex and sympathetic. Excellent start to the seventh season.

When the head of a medical clinic is found asphyxiated in his garage, the father of a one of his brain-dead patients becomes the prime suspect.

This was my first exposure to Inspector Morse. I suspect it will not be my last, as a few more have made their way on to my list of things to see. What made this a good story, besides the excellent detective work, is the series of twists and turns.

Now, anyone who knows how murder mysteries goes will expect a few curve balls. It is far too easy to go after the local bookie for a murder -- surely the real answer is much more complicated. Which makes this such a wonderful story, because along the way the detective and the bookie develop a friendship while still maintaining a cat and mouse attitude. This is an excellent script.

I will say, that my favourite episode from the 7th series is The Day of the Devil, but Deadly Slumber is so good, that I hate to criticise it. Here, Morse is investigating the murder of a doctor, and suspicion falls on the father of a victim who suffered from brain damage after her operation went wrong. Deadly Slumber is beautifully constructed, and as usual John Thaw and Kevin Whately's acting talents are the driving force of the episode. The script is very intelligent, as is always the case with Morse, and while slow in pace, the story never runs out of steam or loses the audience's interest. The scene where Morse utters "Look Morse, look, look, look" with the 2nd movement of Mozart's 23rd Piano concerto was one of the episode's best scenes. The fine supporting performances include Brian Cox from Manhunter and Braveheart fame, Janet Suzman, Jason Durr and Penny Downie, and salvage one of the more intriguing episodes of the later series. 10/10 Bethany Cox.