Father Brown (TV Series) The Tower of Lost Souls (2020) User Reviews

This was simply brilliant.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 24 December 2020]

I'm going to try and pen a sensible review, without sounding like too much of a fanboy, the trouble is, that this is without any doubt, one of the best episodes of Father Brown, and is pretty worthy of it's place as the highest rated episode (as of December 2020.)

Overall, it's been a fine series, fair to say though, that it peaks at the end. Those expecting to see Flambeau will be disappointed, they do something a little different instead.

It's such a thumbs up to the show's past, the fact that characters can come and go, and make such an impact, truly wonderful to see Valentine and Sullivan back.

The case itself, is actually a cracker, it would have been so easy for them so have focussed just on the guest stars, but they focussed primarily on the engaging and clever mystery.

Great use of humour, poor Mallory is on top form here, that line about 'who do they think they are, with their square jaws?' a heads up to Speer and Sullivan both being pretty handsome guys.

Knowing this year was going to be short of drama for obvious reasons, I saved this one for Christmas Eve, I'm so glad I did, it was worth the wait, a Brilliant episode. 10/10.

Reunion of all reunions!

[kirstenfjellstrom · 10/10 · 19 January 2020]

Absolutely brilliant, Inspector Mallory gets to contend with both Chief Inspectors Valentine and Sullivan in this "impossible" mystery. My favourite episode so far. If only Lady Felicia and Sid were involved also.

Multum in Parvo

[silvio-mitsubishi · 8/10 · 20 January 2020]

Long-running TV shows can sometimes run out of money and ideas but this episode, a season finale, shows what can be done on a budget and with a little effort.

I can only assume Hugo Speer did this as a favour. They could not have paid his market price, surely? He is one of two old characters returned to investigate a death on the estate of an MP building a power base in Parliament, supported by his own Lady Macbeth. Cal MacAninch is another great actor who does not need these small roles but brings quality to whatever he does.

The two senior officers highlight the cartoonish nature of Inspector Mallory, and there is a (conscious?) lack of imagination to the killer's methods. Working out the bad 'un is part of the fun and far from difficult in this episode, but there are enough moments of comedy, pathos, tragedy and surprise to keep us entertained. Despite the repetition, 45 minutes barely contains all within and it is a worthy season closer, leaving us anticipating the next outing.

The Tower of Lost Souls

[Prismark10 · 8/10 · 29 February 2020]

With a Flambeau episode being placed in the middle of the series. I had a good idea who would be cropping up in the series finale.

The episode opens with Inspector Mallory over the dead body of Reginald Brody at the bottom of Helmsley Tower. The Tower is owned by Alistair Helmsley the local MP.

Mallory thinks it is suicide but Chief Inspector Valentine returns to Kembleford and he thinks there is more to this death. To Mallory's chagrin Valentine asks Father Brown to help him.

Valentine is concerned that he once arrested Brody's son for murder. He was working as a gardener at the time for the MP and Valentine thinks he might had not been guilty.

Valentine has suspicions about William Helmsley, the MPs brother. When Valentine talks to him at the top of the Tower. Valentine is knocked out and William Helmsley is found dead.

Mallory arrests Valentine for murder. With a Scotland Yard detective in the police cells, Inspector Sullivan arrives in Kembleford and immediately enlists Father Brown's help. Inspector Mallory's face is a picture.

Let's say this is Father Brown's equivalent of The Three Doctors from Doctor Who. A case of the Three Inspectors. It was good to see Hugo Speer again as Valentine. He always had such an easy rapport with Father Brown.

This was an enjoyable episode, humour from Mallory, while the other two Inspectors investigate a dark family secret and a possible miscarriage of justice.

Great

[darkdementress · 8/10 · 21 May 2020]

A really fun reunion episode as the finale. A great mystery and a great end. I can't wait for next season!

Special treat for series fans!

[trajanrome · 10/10 · 27 September 2020]

Reunion episodes can be difficult to do well, but the writing here rises well to the challenge, with a mystery, that while not up to Christie or Allingham, is certainly decent. While weaving this though, the story does a wonderful job bringing in some old favorite characters to add to the fun. Not to be missed, and will certainly bear watching again over the years.

Detective Father Brown FINALLY gets respect!

[bellestar3-225-587206 · 10/10 · 7 August 2022]

This episode was fabulous! It was brilliant from beginning to end. The writing, directing, casting, and acting was all top notch. I don't know what I adored more: the return of Valentine and Sullivan, or the fact that they both requested Ft. Brown's services AND valued his insight and counsel, after years of trying to get him out from underfoot.

Delightful

[safenoe · 10/10 · 16 March 2023]

It was wonderful to see Hugo Speer make a more-than-welcome return to Father Brown, in this season eight finale, The Tower of Lost Souls, which deals with extremism in politics and probably speaks to the present day.

The final scene, featuring Father Brown and Inspector Valentine, resting after a walk, was incredibly moving. When Inspector Valentine presented Father Brown with a police badge, engraved with his name, I almost choked up. I really hope Hugo can return and that the producers won't be cowered by the mob if you know what I mean.

Cal MacAninch was so chillingly superb in his role for sure.

What fun! Possibly my fave!

[pbwier1421-1 · 10/10 · 12 March 2024]

Like old home week! Because there were dead bodies, old and new strewn about, we got the pleasure of a couple of old friends! First now Chief Inspector Valentin from Scotland Yard, then now CI Sullivan come back to Kembleford for a little get together!

The dialogue from the "old friends" was witty, the plot was intriguing, and Bunty saved the day by climbing out of a third story window!

The view from the very real tower was beautiful! I can't get over how many big, wonderful houses are in the Kembleford area, which is also a hotbed of murder, for which I am thankful because Father Brown solves every one with his keen insight!

"Father Brown, with me!"