- Digby Tuckerman: This is the time of the high flyer, Inspector. Only the brain dead stay on the ground.
- Chief Inspector Morse: Ever hear of Icarus?
- Chief Inspector Morse: [Last lines] Almost operatic... a Greek tragedy. You should try the myths, Lewis. Sex is never simple. There's pleasure... then there's payment... retribution.
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: Me mother used to say, 'Laughing always comes to crying.'
- Chief Inspector Morse: Virgil said to fear the Greeks... even when they come bearing gifts.
- Chief Inspector Morse: That's what I hate most about this job - breaking the bad news.
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: I know. That's why you always make me do it.
- Chief Inspector Morse: Never seen a Greek tragedy, Lewis?
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: I saw "Zorba" and "Never on a Sunday."
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: I knew there was something niggling me. My wife saw that programme. I remember her saying it must have been a terrific help to other people in the same situation.
- Chief Inspector Morse: In what way , exactly? Sounds nauseating! What is this modern compulsion to entertain unknown millions with your closest secrets?
- Chief Superintendent Strange: You come from a pre-telly generation.
- Chief Inspector Morse: New Zealand? Huh. Funny old world It's turning into. When I was at school it was all Maoris and Kiwis.
- Jocasta Georgiadis: I bet it was pink as well.