Inspector Lewis (TV Series) The Indelible Stain (2012) User Reviews

Murder of a visiting professor

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 7 June 2012]

This, the final episode from the sixth series of 'Lewis', sees a return to the university where a visiting American professor is found dead shortly after giving a controversial lecture to the criminology department. Plenty of suspects quickly emerge including the local anti-racism protesters who objected to some of his views, his illegitimate daughter, members of the university staff and even a couple who claim he mis-sold then a vase he claimed was more valuable than it really was. As the investigation deepens we learn of an affair between a professor and one of his students, a jealous wife and racial abuse. With the number of suspects increasing a second murder occurs although there is no obvious motive for somebody to want them both dead. To make matters worse for Lewis he has toothache but a phobia going back decades means he is loathe to go to the dentist.

This was an enjoyable end to the sixth series; it was a bit of a surprise to see David Soul, of 'Starsky and Hutch' fame appearing as the American professor; just a shame is character died so soon. The case had plenty of suspects to keep the most avid mystery fan guessing although I admit I worked out who must have done it on the grounds that everybody else was shown to be a suspect… hardly a good basis for real crime solving! The minor subplot concerning Lewis and his dread of going to the dentist provided a few decent laughs. As has been the case in many recent episodes Laurence Fox's character, DS Hathaway has dominated proceedings somewhat… if Kevin Whately should decide to retire, and I hope he doesn't for a while, Hathaway could take over in much the same way as Lewis took over from Morse!

don't give up on us, baby

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 1 August 2012]

Inspector Lewis and D.I. Hathaway work on "The Indelible Stain" in this season 6 finale of the Inspector Lewis series.

This is another complex Lewis mystery. An American professor, Paul Yelland, with his outrageous theories, comes to Oxford to lecture and becomes the target of a group opposed to his ideas, which are considered racist.

Yelland is later found dead by hanging. He had been invited to speak by married professors, Anne and Robert Fraser, in order to bring attention to their department. Robert is having an affair with one of his students, Nina. Nina has been receiving hate texts telling her to go home. Fraser believes an antifascist group is responsible for Yelland's death. But it turns out that Yelland has an interesting history in the area - he had sold forged antiques to two clients, and he was the father of a staff member and had left the mother before the child was born.

Then another death occurs.

Somehow I recognized Starsky and Hutch star David Soul as the professor. He moved to England in the 1980s and has enjoyed an interesting stage career over there, including starring in "Jerry Springer, the Opera," "Deathtrap," "Mack and Mabel," and "Blood Brothers," as well as TV and film there. I give him a lot of credit.

This is a good mystery. I like the Lewis series very much and hope they continue to film them.

Bad People With Bad Intentions

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 22 March 2018]

David Soul of "Starsky and Hutch" plays a visiting American professor whose expertise is on predicting criminal behavior in people before they act, using scientific methods. His arrival and murder become the centerpiece for the story. Apparently, his visit was orchestrated for various purposes. We are soon introduced to a number of people who have their own issues involving him and each other. Race is at the center of much of this, since his theories have racial significance. There are two young black women at the center of much of this, and a strong, unethical female professor and her husband. It's a good story and plays out pretty well. Be careful as you listen to each of the principles.

A very strong episode to sign off series 6.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 19 September 2020]

An American lecturer gives a talk in Oxford, his views on genetic engineeringg are met with opposition, after being heckled he returns to his hotel room, he never leaves there.

Series Six has been very consistent, it ends on a real high, this is a smart, multi layered mystery, on to intrigue you, and hold your attention.

I liked the humour here, Lewis's tooth, and desperation to ask Laura out. The scene inside the dentist's made Lewis a very human character.

So much acting talent here, Nancy Carroll, Patrick Baladi, Nina Sosanya, and of course the wonderful David Calder.

Such a shame after this one they started tinkering with the series, changing the night it went out, splitting them into two parts, it never worked.

All in all, excellent, 9/10.

Generally the best episode of Season 6

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 20 June 2017]

Hearing about 'Lewis' for the first time when it first started, there was a big touch of excitement seeing as 'Inspector Morse' was and still is one of my favourites but also a little intrepidation, wondering whether the series would be as good. The good news is, like the prequel series 'Endeavour', 'Lewis' is every bit as good as 'Inspector Morse' and stands very well on its own two feet as a detective mystery and show in general.

'Lewis' was a show that started off promisingly with the pilot and the first season, while getting even better with a more settled Season 2 where the show hit its stride. Season 3 was more of a mixed bag (not a bad season at all, but started a little disappointingly, though better than reputed, with one of the show's generally lesser episodes "Allegory of Love"). Season 4 generally was one of the better seasons of 'Lewis', with all the episodes very good to great, and Season 5 was solid with the only disappointment being "The Mind Has Mountains".

Season 6 started off very well with "The Soul of Genius", while "Generation of Vipers" was even better. Unfortunately, "Fearful Symmetry" was very disappointing and has always been one of my least favourite 'Lewis' episodes. On the other side of the coin, fortunately the season gets back on track with a great finale and its best episode "The Indelible Stain".

To me the identity of the murderer was not the biggest of surprises (not obvious as such but once things were narrowed down it became more guessable) and the "books are bad for your health" comment is an absolutely outrageous statement even for Lewis.

As always, the acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, advantaged by that Lewis is much more developed and as said he has more development. Fox is a breath of fresh air in a great contrasting role that reminds one of a more intelligent Lewis in his younger days and his sparkling sparring chemistry with Whately is a big part of the episode's, and show's, appeal. Like too that he is becoming more of a dominating lead character, even if occasionally he shows some less likable traits like the odd bit of rudeness. Clare Holman adds a lot, and Innocent has been better written over time. The supporting cast are all strong and believable with engaging and pleasingly eccentric if not exactly likable characters, David Soul makes a good impression even with his screen time being quite short.

Production values are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot as always, and Oxford not only looks exquisite but is like a supporting character in itself. Barrington Pheloung returns as composer, and does a first-rate job. The theme tune, while not as iconic or quite as clever as Morse's, is very pleasant to listen to, the episode is charmingly and hauntingly scored and the use of pre-existing music is very well-incorporated.

Writing is smart and thought-provoking mostly and the story is gripping with enough twists and turns to keep one guessing until all is revealed. While the identity of the murderer wasn't so shocking, the motive and the climax weren't so easy to figure out, a good thing. Lewis' minor subplot with the fear of dentists is handled well and one who also hates the dentist (like me, though for different reasons other than toothache) can relate to him.

In conclusion, great episode and the best episode of the sixth season. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Great mystery

[grantss · 8/10 · 1 November 2022]

A controversial professor of criminology, visiting from the US, is found dead, murdered, in his room. There's plenty of suspects: his lecture and visit were marred by protesters and even his peers in Oxford University's Criminology department weren't fans of his views. Where does Lewis and Hathaway start first?

A great return to form after the terrible previous episode. While there's still murder afoot the dull, vapid tone of the previous episode is gone. A very intriguing mystery with some engaging sub-plots around it. The backstory to the murder turns out to be quite logical, unlike many Lewis episodes which tend to be overly complex and implausible.

The pacing is also good. No sudden burst of information right at the end which solves everything but a decent build-up of information. There are one or two signals towards the end who the murderer is but they're not early enough to spoil the episode.

Painfully boring, plodding episode.

[vitoscotti · 3/10 · 13 April 2024]

The highlight was a surprise appearance of American actor David Soul as Paul Yelland. David Calder as Andrew Lipton gave a decent performance until it hit a brick wall with a less then satisfying story ending.

Two very bad episodes in a row now. Woke political correctness appears to made it's way iinto Lewis. Feels like an order for a politically correct script was placed and this was it. Paired with a weak story was a recipe for boring viewing.

The subplot of Lewis' aching tooth has been used before and better by British detective mysteries. Lewis' mysterious relationship with Dr. Laura got some clarity. Lewis can't pull the trigger.

A near time waster. Hopefully the series hasn't jumped the shark.