Definitely one of the best early episodes of Morse. I find pacing can be a slight issue with the earliest episodes, but that remark is not applicable here, this moves along very nicely, it asks the viewer a load of questions, and definitely tests your powers of observation. Complex relationships and a string sub plots that are all resolved in a very satisfying conclusion.
The scene where the girl is witnessed getting into an unknown car by Mrs Jarman is so strong, it's very clever, as a viewer you know something bad is going to happen, and an observer Mrs Jarman catches a glimpse, but it's staged in such a way that she only gets a glimpse. It's very very clever.
Beautifully acted, Morse and Lewis are up to the usual standard, but Anthony Bate and Fabia Drake are both excellent, two mature actors with lots of presence.
Very satisfying 9/10