Masterpiece: Inspector Lewis

Masterpiece: Inspector Lewis is a captivating crime drama series that aired on PBS in 2008. This British series is a spin-off of Inspector Morse, another esteemed series produced by ITV, featuring Detective Sergeant Lewis, portrayed by the talented actor, Kevin Whately. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful university city of Oxford, England, the series provides an eerie juxtaposition of the city's idyllic landscape with its sinister crimes.

At the start of the series, Robert 'Robbie' Lewis, a former Detective Inspector, returns to Oxford after a two-year absence following the death of his wife. He is a down-to-earth and slightly old-fashioned detective, often finding himself at odds with the elitism he encounters in the hallowed halls of Oxford. Guided by his own moral compass, Lewis doesn’t always agree with the more conventional methods of the police but is as determined as ever to protect the city he calls home. He's known for his meticulous method of solving crimes, as well as his tendency to break the rules and resolve matters in unconventional ways.

Supporting Lewis is his intelligent younger partner, Detective Sergeant James Hathaway, played by British actor Laurence Fox. Their contrasting personalities often lead to tension, but they both share the goal of getting to the truth. Hathaway was a Cambridge scholar before joining the police force and frequently uses his intellectual prowess to decode their cases. His sharp tongue and efficient mind are essential elements in the dynamic duo, often providing much-needed counteraction to Lewis's tenacious approach.

Delving into complex murder mysteries, the dynamic duo of Lewis and Hathaway face a plethora of cases that would send shivers down anyone's spine. The series consistently keeps its audience engaged with crime investigations full of unexpected twists and turns combined with the compelling character development of its two leads. The criminals they chase are not your run-of-the-mill villains; they are highly intelligent and often hidden behind reputable facades. Thematic elements often draw from the rich history and diverse culture of the city of Oxford, its university, and some of its more extraordinary inhabitants.

Despite being crime-focused, Masterpiece: Inspector Lewis steadily forms an intimate look into the personal lives of its characters. As the series progresses, viewers get to see beyond the professional facade of Lewis and Hathaway, gaining insight into their individual struggles, hopes, and fears outside their work. The result is a depth rarely found in comparable crime dramas.

Masterpiece: Inspector Lewis brilliantly blends the elements of suspense, character development, and the allure of Oxford's picturesque landscape. However, it is the enduring partnership and rapport between Lewis and Hathaway that sits at the heart of the series. They possess an intuitive understanding and a mutual respect that hints at a deep-seated friendship, making their relationship one of the most memorable aspects of the show.

The series enjoys self-contained episodes, but there is a clear progression of overarching narratives and character development running through the nine seasons. The intriguing murder mysteries are reflective of the darker underbelly that lies beneath the city's scholarly exterior. The series offers a notable blend of the traditional 'whodunit' elements, psychological intrigue, and the exploration of social issues germane to modern Britain. Furthermore, its high-quality scripts and superb performances collectively contribute to the massive popularity of the series.

Angles of humor, heartbreak, and surprising plot deviances amplify the human interest angle just as much as the criminal investigations that form the core of the series. You'll cheer for Lewis and Hathaway as they nimbly navigate the corridors of power and privilege to bring justice to the rich and poor alike, using their unique dynamic and unyielding drive for the truth to get the job done.

Masterpiece: Inspector Lewis adeptly captures the audience's attention from the opening scene of each episode until its invariably riveting conclusion. With its charismatic leading men, gripping plots, and profoundly humane approach to crime-solving, the series is indeed a masterpiece and a must-watch for all lovers of detective dramas.