The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (TV Series) A Great Deliverance (2001) User Reviews

that dude really misses the point of this show...

[basso369 · 7/10 · 1 October 2006]

Previuos reviewer seems to miss the entire point of this show, which I believe represents an outstanding example of the fine programming Brits are subjected to versus the pablum that hits American screens.

The point of the show is not that Lynley is high born. It is much more subtle than that. Perhaps the other reviewer does not read and was eluded by the nuance.

This is a series of books (and shows) about complex personal relationships. The series brims with fully fledged, three-dimensional characters and the subplots and longterm story arcs are as compelling, if not more compelling than the well-crafted mysteries of each episode.

This is excellent stuff, but not for the young or mentally stunted. If you watched these and missed the point, chances are, the problem is you and not the inspector.

The first Inspector Lynley mystery

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 22 May 2012]

"A Great Deliverance" from 2001 turns out to be the first Inspector Lynley mystery, adapted from the series of books by Elizabeth George. I haven't read them, but from looking over the reviews here, fans of the novels seem quite happy.

Nathaniel Parker is Thomas Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton, who is a police inspector, and when we first meet him here, he's best man at his old girlfriend's and best friend's wedding and attempting to keep a stiff upper lip. He's called into a community with a troubled police force to look into a murder investigation in which a man was decapitated, and the man's daughter was found at the scene catatonic. DS Barbara Havers (Sharon Small) is assigned as his partner, and it's an odd coupling. She's a working class woman who puts no emphasis on her appearance, and she's living a high-pressured life caring for her demented mother. Added to this, her blunt mouth has gotten her into trouble, and if she can't make a go with Parker, this may be it for her and the force. She's extremely resentful of the aristocratic Parker before even meeting him.

This unholy alliance travels to the murder site and, in the midst of trying to solve the murder, try to work out their relationship. The question is, which is more difficult? Good mystery, gorgeous scenery, and excellent acting make this series a winner. I actually saw a later one before this one. Parker and Small are excellent together, and Parker is movie-star handsome and easily believed as an earl. Small, as the scrappy, intense Havers, does a wonderful job.

Can't wait to see more of this series.

A quality debut.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 22 February 2020]

I don't think I'd seen this episode for about ten years, and cannot believe how little it has aged in that time, a truly exceptional drama. The mystery is intriguing and baffling, but the core of the drama comes from the clash of the two Detectives, Lynley who is aristocratic and born in a wealthy family, and his colleague, the feisty Sergeant Havers.

Well produced and very well made, the performances cannot be faulted, but it really is the fascinating dynamic between the two Detectives that makes it so intriguing.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. 8/10

Can't wait for the next one

[pmimmy69 · 1 October 2002]

I was thrilled to find out that my favourite books had been turned into a BBC series. I had been waiting for years for this to happen! Anyone who has ever read one of Elizabeth George's novels must admit that she is a master of storytelling. I think the way she unfolds her plots and describes her main characters (Lynley and Havers)is brilliant. And the stories are not about class as such, but about differences between men and women, the upper and working classes, and good and evil. The first book is not one of my favourites but the TV series captured the spirit of the book very well and I can't wait for more. I hope the BBC will turn all the books into TV series because, if done well, it would mean a new high standard for the already so incomparable British mysteries. See it!

Great start

[d-kroep · 10/10 · 6 June 2011]

I'll love the series, the actors are more then brilliant and the story is also good.I've bought the series and seen them more then five time each and enjoy it a lot.This episode is (according to me) a very good start to get to know our Lynley and Havers. I love them. Ten stars for a wonderful series!!! Barbara Havers is just so good in this episode. Lovely hostile. In later episodes is the relationship in between Lynley and Havers also unique. Sharon Small (who plays Barbara Havers) does a very good job playing Barbara Havers. I would recommend the Inspector Lynley Mysteries to everyone but you have to like the fact that it is a bit slow and takes its time to develop the story. My message to all who is new in Lynley: Enjoy!

The start of an impressive series

[safenoe · 9/10 · 17 September 2017]

I started watching Inspector Lynley towards the end of season 2, so I was quite excited to finally watch the pilot of this fine series, and seeing how Lynley and Havers team up. We learn Havers supports her parents; her mother is suffering dementia sadly, and has an uncomfortable moment when Lynley picks up Havers.

The village scenes are stunning, and all credit to the director of photography and camera crew. I felt sorry for the family involved, the missing mother and her two daughters (although I'm not sure if the mother's new husband was found?).

It was a treat to see Anthony Calf, as he was one of the best things in New Tricks as DAC Strickland.

As I write this I'm listening to an interview Nathaniel Parker had with BBC Gloucestershire, which is accessible from his website!

Like crossword puzzles?

[=G= · 7/10 · 3 July 2004]

According to hostess Diana Rigg, "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries: A Great Deliverance" is of the "cozy mystery" genre which she explains is similar to Agatha Christie novels and much like a good crossword puzzle. I'm not sure such comments are a credit to this film. However, "A Great Deliverance" is the first in a series of British mysteries from the pen of American writer Elizabeth George which pits the urbane Inspector and aristocrat Lynley and his trusty and contrastingly funky sidekick Barbara Havers (Small) against the wrongdoers of the Shires. A so-so mystery flick, this film tells of a young woman found catatonic and sitting with the decapitated body of her father. At issue, of course, is who did the dirty deed? As the film progresses we find an abundance of characters and some development of the male/female cop team all wound up in a convoluted plot which casually overlooks some obvious questions while making excursions into side plots all happening in the bucolic Yorkshire countryside. When all was said and done, I felt pretty cozy so perhaps Rigg was right. This film will be most appreciated by those who enjoy the "Murder She Wrote" TV fare with minimal action, sex, nudity, swearing, edge, grit, etc. Good stuff for those into tame, sanitized mysteries. (B)

Great Locations....

[davyd-02237 · 7/10 · 29 January 2021]

But DONT ever read the book unless you have a strong stomach! the BBC did tone it down to bring this version to the screen....Sadly, the N Yorkshire Police force today is still as bad as it was over 15 years ago when this was made. Equally, bad in the "Blind eye" minister who knows whats going on, but the deceased is a "pillar of the community" which makes the investigation somewhat difficult. Really good casting at all levels and within this you dont have much foul language, no sex, and a much better thriller/investigation than the very graphic book. The Yorkshire locations are well worth it-unless you happen to be "clued in" to know that you dont, for example, drive from London to Newton under Roseberry via a country road that goes from Pickering to Danby!!!! OOPS bbc

awful

[trtrtr-1 · 1/10 · 23 May 2005]

The actors portraying Tommy Lynley and Barbara Havers were well chosen, and, at times, their chemistry was good. But the horrible screenplay and soap opera-like music made this a real clunker. The plot was considerably changed from the book version, which was surprising and disappointing. The actors were forced to explain what was going on in terrible, clichéd and unnatural speeches accompanied by swelling and overdone music. It felt like Helen was brought in order to explain what the program was unable to show. The relationship between Tommy and Simon was simplistic and unbelievable. No depth at all. Truly horrible -- despite the crushing good looks of the protagonist!

A Refreshing Change

[cubria · 13 October 2004]

I am a fan of not only the BBC but of the PBS "Mystery" series. For years I have watched many detectives, inspectors, amateur sleuths etc and in my opinion Inspector Lynley is one of the best ones. I think the show is well written and well thought out. The chemistry between the actors is right on the money. I can not imagine why anyone would not like this series. This particular installment, which was of course the first, was especially well done. I am a fan of Elizabeth Georges' writing and I felt that they stayed true to the characters that she created which is not always easy in film form. For me this series has not only the usual elements that English shows bring with them but an added quality.

Why does Yorkshire need an Inspector from London ?

[Sulla-2 · 28 July 2015]

My first impression was that Lynley's boss was wearing the wrong jacket for his rank. Aristocratic Lynley is supposed to a high flier but he's no spring chicken and has the series progresses, he keeps the same rank and his flying days are over. Detective Sergeant Havers is hard work and appears to have an inferiority complex when she is with Lynley.However the acting is first class and the main characters are likable.

In this first case the solution to the murder would appear to be obvious and after they have gone round the houses it turns out that it is. During the investigation Lynley has to deal with on obnoxious local Sergeant. I couldn't understand his attitude when he was fully aware that Lynley was quite capable of of reporting him as he had done previously. To sum up, an enjoyable programme but in real life Police in Yorkshire would never temporarily import an Inspector from London.