Inspector George Gently (TV Series) Blue for Bluebird (2014) User Reviews

Hi de hi it ain't.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 21 July 2019]

This series never disappoints, it's the variety of story, and complex relationship between Gently and Bacchus that make it such an engaging watch. This is a terrific story that focuses on a murder at a holiday camp, a time where the typical British holiday camp was coming to an end, and the package holiday abroad was starting to take off.

Bacchus is once again back to his loathsome self, it makes the dynamic between him and his earnest boss so fascinating.

Pixie Lott is excellent, but it's the sublime Jody Comer who stands out.

A superb storyline, with a complex mystery and a terrific set of characters, make for s superb ninety minutes of drama. 9/10

Death of a Bluecoat

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 13 February 2014]

As this episode opens the body of a young woman is found on Saltburn beach. She is wearing a distinctive blue coat which leads Gently and Bacchus to a local holiday camp, where it turns out she worked. The camp's manager is keen to project the image that the camp is happy and successful but it soon becomes apparent that it isn't all happiness in camper-land. It would appear that the girl, Megan Webb, had been involved with one of the male bluecoats but nobody wants to talk about her relationship and the circumstances of its ending. As more questions are asked it becomes apparent that few people told the truth when asked about where they were on the night of Megan's death… this includes her parents who were particularly cold when they learnt of their daughter's death. Away from the case Bacchus is having problems of his own; he thinks he deserves more than one weekend a month with his daughter but his ex-wife disagrees; something that is affecting his professional life too.

This was another entertaining episode with plenty of suspects as well as a few motives… including the real motive which didn't cross my mind until it was exposed! There may not be a mounting body count, as is common in murder-mysteries, but it was still fairly gripping… the viewer only has to wonder who did it not who will be next! The cast put is a solid performance and the makers nicely capture the era… the holiday camp setting provides a good excuse to include some well-known songs from the era. The subplot involving Bacchus's desire to see more of his daughter provides some nice character development and gives him an excuse to be more grumpy than usual. Overall this was another decent episode even though the story felt light compared to last week's series opener.

Jodie Comer for the win

[grantss · 9/10 · 10 August 2022]

One of the best things about watching TV series (and movies) several years after they were released is spotting current stars in lesser roles before they were famous. This episode features Jodie Comer who was beyong brilliant in Killing Eve. She here, at age 20/21, displays much of that talent, including her ability with accents.

Her appearance comes on top of a great plot and seeing Bacchus take his bad cop routine to the next level. The best thing about Episode 2 of Season 6 was seeing Bacchus regain his mojo in fits and starts after mentally and literally chucking it all in and behaving like a petulant child.

He definitely has his mojo back now but unfortunately much of his sarcasm and bully boy tactics are directed at his wife and a very diligent WPC. However, there is a certain satisfaction in seeing Gently calmly and nicely ask a suspect a question and then Bacchus come over the top with a biting accusation or cynical question and we get a few of those here.

He also is on the receiving end of a stinging remark when a woman, having essentially been described as ugly by Bacchus, retorts with "Yeah, that's rich coming from someone who looks like a horse's head being eaten by a clam." I couldn't stop laughing.

Bluecoat blues

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 31 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 again in "Blue for Bluebird". 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.

"Blue for Bluebird" 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 and it has a lighter tone in comparison to previous episodes, but it still delivers on providing a good mystery well worth investing in.

However, "Blue for Bluebird", 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. "Blue for Bluebird", 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. Bacchus' subplot has a lot of heart.

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.

Overall, excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox