The conclusion of this superbly acted(and scripted)series finale still left Gently in a complex situation, presuming that he survived his injuries. How would he be able to prove his innocence now that the Serious Crime Squad detectives were dead including the detective who knew his colleagues were corrupt? Will Bacchus survive his own more serious injury and help his boss prove his innocence? How would he do this, giving his bias? Who would believe him? A small flaw, IMHO,was why would Gently accept a gun from an erstwhile colleague without question as he knew it would be illegal for him to have it in his possession? It should have made him suspicious, given McGhee's surreptitious entry into his house. I hope another series will be made as it has proved compulsive viewing thus far although I doubt Bacchus would have made DS in a real Police force.
12 Reviews
A shocking conclusion to the fifth series
Tweekums17 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This, the final episode of the fifth series, opens with a young copper being gunned down after stopping a car and discovering a body in the back. After his death evidence emerges to suggest that he was corrupt and it looks as though the inquest will declare that he killed himself when he thought he might be found out
Gently is convinced that is not the truth though. Soon afterwards Gently is pleased to see career criminal Melvin Rattigan sentenced to thirty years in gaol; he isn't in anywhere near that long though; he is claiming that Gently is corrupt and has provided strong circumstantial evidence to back it up. A group from the Organised Crime Squad of the Metropolitan Police come up to investigate Gently; they don't just thing Gently is corrupt they suspect he was involved in the death of an undercover officer and the young constable who died at the beginning. With his boss accused of a serious crime and wanting to move to London himself Bacchus must decide whether to help the Met Officers or Gently.
This was a gripping conclusion to the series which left me wondering whether there will ever be a sixth series! As the story progressed it was hard to guess which if any of the Metropolitan officers could be trusted and just how far the corrupt officers would go to ensure they aren't found out. With Gently on the run things were pretty tense; especially after it became apparent that somebody with a rifle was trying to kill him! Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby put in fine performances as Gently and Bacchus; I hope this isn't the end for their characters although the final scene ended when it looked like either of them could die of their injuries. They were supported by a fine group of guest actors including Kevin 'Inspector Lewis' Whately who here played a far less honest cop than we are used to seeing him play.
This was a gripping conclusion to the series which left me wondering whether there will ever be a sixth series! As the story progressed it was hard to guess which if any of the Metropolitan officers could be trusted and just how far the corrupt officers would go to ensure they aren't found out. With Gently on the run things were pretty tense; especially after it became apparent that somebody with a rifle was trying to kill him! Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby put in fine performances as Gently and Bacchus; I hope this isn't the end for their characters although the final scene ended when it looked like either of them could die of their injuries. They were supported by a fine group of guest actors including Kevin 'Inspector Lewis' Whately who here played a far less honest cop than we are used to seeing him play.
"A Riveting End to 5th Series"
carmenjulianna24 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A Superb episode and a Spectacular ending to the 5th Series. How members of the Metropolitan Police became killers and were able to set up a respected and honest serving police officer is unbelievable!!! I couldn't believe it when Bacchus turned traitor on Inspector Gently after all he had done for him. He may have come off good in the end as there were eight series made. What a bad judgement call though for Bacchus, and to have no instincts regarding his partner. A fab' series and a great paring with Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby. An enjoyable episode and well acted..😊
A superb end to the Series.
Sleepin_Dragon8 March 2019
Series Five has been terrific from start to finish, and it concludes with a massive episode, that's arguably the best of the lot. I watched this with a sunken feeling in the pit of my stomach, and by the end I was literally on the edge of my seat. How dare they put the intensely honest and corruption free Gently on trial. This story began incredibly well, and ended in style, with a truly outstanding conclusion. I have recently watched an episode of Endeavour, called Deguello, which was highly regarded by all, I would place this along those lines.
Bacchus, love him or hate him beforehand, I'm sure your opinion on him will have shifted somewhat after this episode. Ingleby truly shone through throughout this episode, he and Shaw as always, superb.
Kevin Whately is excellent, so often cast as the decent, honest guy, it's nice to see him characterised in a slightly different way, he was excellent, as were the entire cast, Diana Quick sparkled, and had some great scenes with Shaw.
The usual superb production values and music, credit to whoever it is that sources the cars, absolutely incredible selection.
A class act. 10/10
Bacchus, love him or hate him beforehand, I'm sure your opinion on him will have shifted somewhat after this episode. Ingleby truly shone through throughout this episode, he and Shaw as always, superb.
Kevin Whately is excellent, so often cast as the decent, honest guy, it's nice to see him characterised in a slightly different way, he was excellent, as were the entire cast, Diana Quick sparkled, and had some great scenes with Shaw.
The usual superb production values and music, credit to whoever it is that sources the cars, absolutely incredible selection.
A class act. 10/10
Very hard to watch
ctyankee19 September 2015
Gently an honest cop is framed by a bunch of policemen that are on the take and killed people for money. They deal a lot with corrupt and dishonest men.
A young cop is murdered and it is classified as suicide. His wife is pregnant and broken hearted. Gently wants to investigate this for the wife. He then finds himself being investigated.
It was very hard to watch this episode. It shows the friends he has in the police department don't trust him including John Bacchus who is his partner in investigating cases. Bacchus meets with all the men that are higher up trying to prove that Gently is guilty. Bacchus is like a sponge. He believes everything they tell him. He feels important. He holds back some info on Gently but in general is more like a traitor.
A uniformed officer who takes orders from Gently that works in the same building makes it clear to the group of people investigating Gently that he does not agree with anything bad about Gently and he does not agree with them.
There is lots of violence. Lots of evil people mostly cops but also a corrupt man named Rattigan. Rattigan taunts Gently and keeps getting out of jail because of his relationship with the cops who plant evidence at Gently's home and office to frame him. Money was deposited in Gently's account to make him look like he was on the take. Gently has few friends.
Later he is injured and hides out. People get shot some die and Gently's name is not cleared in this episode even though he probably got his job back because the series goes on.
At the end shooting and violence goes on in the Cathedral that he told Bacchus he loves to go to.
A young cop is murdered and it is classified as suicide. His wife is pregnant and broken hearted. Gently wants to investigate this for the wife. He then finds himself being investigated.
It was very hard to watch this episode. It shows the friends he has in the police department don't trust him including John Bacchus who is his partner in investigating cases. Bacchus meets with all the men that are higher up trying to prove that Gently is guilty. Bacchus is like a sponge. He believes everything they tell him. He feels important. He holds back some info on Gently but in general is more like a traitor.
A uniformed officer who takes orders from Gently that works in the same building makes it clear to the group of people investigating Gently that he does not agree with anything bad about Gently and he does not agree with them.
There is lots of violence. Lots of evil people mostly cops but also a corrupt man named Rattigan. Rattigan taunts Gently and keeps getting out of jail because of his relationship with the cops who plant evidence at Gently's home and office to frame him. Money was deposited in Gently's account to make him look like he was on the take. Gently has few friends.
Later he is injured and hides out. People get shot some die and Gently's name is not cleared in this episode even though he probably got his job back because the series goes on.
At the end shooting and violence goes on in the Cathedral that he told Bacchus he loves to go to.
Gently in the frame
TheLittleSongbird29 May 2018
As a huge fan of detective/crime/mystery series, there is the admission that it took me a while to start watching 'Inspector George Gently', worrying as to whether it would appeal to me for "can't put my finger on it" reasons other than being young at the time and not being as knowledgeable of the period. Getting into the show eight years ago and continuing to watch it without fail, it turned out to be simply wonderful and actually became a favourite.
After a very solid, if still settling, start in "Gently Go Man", it felt like 'Inspector George Gently' started to hit its stride with "The Burning Man" and that continued with "Bomber's Moon". The show hit a high point with "Gently with the Innocents" and the high point standards nearly applies here in "Gently in the Cathedral". There is a lot here that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it shows that it is not at all hard to see why the show appeals to many.
"Gently in the Cathedral" shows 'Inspector George Gently' still delivering on a consistent level, no bad episodes up to this point. It is indicative that the show has found its feet and hit its stride. It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of other episodes that tackled daring themes, but it certainly delivers on the tautness and suspense.
However, "Gently in the Cathedral", like the rest of the show, looks great, often beautiful. It is strikingly filmed and the scenery and period detail are atmospheric, handsome and evocative, a lot of work and care went into re-creating the period and it shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing has a lot of thought-provoking intelligence and balances subtle humour and drama very well and executing both individually just as well. The direction is alert and accommodating and the story is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. The climax is very memorable. "Gently in the Cathedral", and 'Inspector Gently' in general, is very interesting for how British law was like in the 60s and how much it's changed and come on compared to now.
Love the chemistry between Gently and Bacchus, one of the most interesting and well-contrasted detective/crime/mystery drama pairings (perhaps the most interesting since Morse and Lewis). The two couldn't have more different personalities and how they gel and clash entertains and intrigues. Both are fascinating characters, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed.
Can't fault the acting, the continually brilliant performances from Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby here and throughout the show are career highs for both actors. All the support is good, Ralph Brown being suitably loathsome as Rattigan.
In conclusion, excellent once again. 9/10 Bethany Cox
After a very solid, if still settling, start in "Gently Go Man", it felt like 'Inspector George Gently' started to hit its stride with "The Burning Man" and that continued with "Bomber's Moon". The show hit a high point with "Gently with the Innocents" and the high point standards nearly applies here in "Gently in the Cathedral". There is a lot here that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it shows that it is not at all hard to see why the show appeals to many.
"Gently in the Cathedral" shows 'Inspector George Gently' still delivering on a consistent level, no bad episodes up to this point. It is indicative that the show has found its feet and hit its stride. It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of other episodes that tackled daring themes, but it certainly delivers on the tautness and suspense.
However, "Gently in the Cathedral", like the rest of the show, looks great, often beautiful. It is strikingly filmed and the scenery and period detail are atmospheric, handsome and evocative, a lot of work and care went into re-creating the period and it shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing has a lot of thought-provoking intelligence and balances subtle humour and drama very well and executing both individually just as well. The direction is alert and accommodating and the story is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. The climax is very memorable. "Gently in the Cathedral", and 'Inspector Gently' in general, is very interesting for how British law was like in the 60s and how much it's changed and come on compared to now.
Love the chemistry between Gently and Bacchus, one of the most interesting and well-contrasted detective/crime/mystery drama pairings (perhaps the most interesting since Morse and Lewis). The two couldn't have more different personalities and how they gel and clash entertains and intrigues. Both are fascinating characters, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed.
Can't fault the acting, the continually brilliant performances from Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby here and throughout the show are career highs for both actors. All the support is good, Ralph Brown being suitably loathsome as Rattigan.
In conclusion, excellent once again. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Good episode but it is drama
Paulldavidson13 June 2022
Good episode however a DCI conveniently set up guns etc just so happen to be placed in the right place putting Gently in the frame for murder is unbelievable you don't hear about this in real life. Well acted and Martin Shaw on form as usual.
about police corruption, and still going on. George Genttly is one of my favorite series (acting and script) and this one is really disturbing me.
lylogronio-896-4784642 July 2021
Shocking and very sad. A real disturbing episode of one of my favorite Detective Series. I have seen many of them, but I will wait long to see the end of George Gently. By the way: Gently with the innocents hit me the hardest. And things come back from my own past, I can so feel with this story.
Martin Shaw is brilliant
eowyn-9439525 April 2024
I watched Inspector George Gently solely because of Martin Shaw. I'd loved him in The Professionals. The story lines are great; the acting solid. I'm currently re watching the whole series again. I'm up to Series 5 ep. 4. For that last few seasons, within the first 10 minutes of each episode, I say the same thing out loud: Bacchus is such a t#$t!. I can't believe I never realised before now how much of an idiot he starts out as. Granted, he mostly cones good at the end. But, honestly! In this episode, having worked closely with Gently for the past something years, he doesn't trust George? Sometimes I could reach out and snack him.
Clumsy but interesting enough
grantss7 August 2022
Not one of the best Gently episodes. It's almost obligatory nowadays for a detective drama to have an episode where the main character is accused of being a criminal themselves. Writers love turning the tables on their hero. For Inspector George Gently, this is that episode.
It's all rather unoriginal and predictable and clumsily done. Many of the plot developments don't make sense or are too convenient, feeling contrived.
The big twist at the end is probably the biggest contrivance of the lot and is never really explained. It's really just there for the sake of a big twist.
This said, it's interesting enough and still quite watchable.
It's all rather unoriginal and predictable and clumsily done. Many of the plot developments don't make sense or are too convenient, feeling contrived.
The big twist at the end is probably the biggest contrivance of the lot and is never really explained. It's really just there for the sake of a big twist.
This said, it's interesting enough and still quite watchable.
Terrible and stale idea that never works.
trajanrome6 April 2021
Avoid this episode like the plague if you like Mr. Gently. I have never understood why writers / producers have a compulsion to create stories where the main character is falsely accused of corruption. This episode goes beyond that disaster and makes it worse with a terrible ending. I won't spoil that, but just have Season 6 handy. Better yet skip this last Season 5 episode altogether and you're better off.
Does not fit into the series
riccimer3 September 2023
Being a diehard fan of this series I was disappointed by this one.
George Gently does have extraordinary cases but usually there is always a deeper social theme behind it. And frightening enough it shows that the evil can always be in your neighbourhood. It perfectly shows the moral and social public constraints in society, as well the suffering of those who feel unhappy by them. This makes it so thrilling to me
This one will satisfy action fans, it has quite some tempo and is certainly not boring, but it lacks the depth of the previous series. It is a copthriller, but no classical George Gently
This is the only one in the first five series which disappointed me, not really a bad ratio.
George Gently does have extraordinary cases but usually there is always a deeper social theme behind it. And frightening enough it shows that the evil can always be in your neighbourhood. It perfectly shows the moral and social public constraints in society, as well the suffering of those who feel unhappy by them. This makes it so thrilling to me
This one will satisfy action fans, it has quite some tempo and is certainly not boring, but it lacks the depth of the previous series. It is a copthriller, but no classical George Gently
This is the only one in the first five series which disappointed me, not really a bad ratio.
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