The Lions of Nemea: Part 2

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".

The show's seventh season has suffered from the rather bizarre decision to split its three episodes into two halves, meaning having to wait until the next week until the conclusion. In all three of the Season 7 episodes, this has proved to be rather awkward and in "Down Among the Fearful" and "The Ramblin' Boy" ran the risk of forgetting what happened previously and being even more confused by events and who the characters were. "Intelligent Design" however was much better and easily the best of that season.

After a decent if unexceptional start to the eighth season in "Entry Wounds", which saw Lewis come out of retirement and while still worthwhile he did deserve a better return, "The Lions of Nemea" generally is an improvement. It is not one of the best episodes of 'Lewis' by any stretch, and what made the best episodes so good when the show was in its prime is not all there.

While most of the story is compelling and easy to follow, maybe there are slightly too many elements and a couple of them on the predictable, derivative side. Pacing could have tightened too in places, though it is tauter than in the first half.

Maddox is still not an interesting character (also questioned the need for her here actually), she also isn't gelling and both the character and Angela Griffin's acting is bland and somewhat annoying.

As always the acting is solid, on the other hand, with Kevin Whately very good and Laurence Fox a breath of fresh air. Their chemistry is wholly convincing, always a huge part of the show's charm, with a strong contrast between Lewis being the world weary one with the hunches and Hathaway being the more logical and witty. Really like the chemistry between Lewis and Hobson (Clare Holman doesn't disappoint) too, and that Hobson's character has expanded for the better overtime in the show. Likewise with Innocent being much softer than she was when 'Lewis' first started.

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.

Some of the writing is thoughtful and fun and the story has enough very compelling moments with a final solution that just about makes sense and things tie together neatly enough. The supporting acting is solid.

In conclusion, good if not great episode. 7/10 Bethany Cox

After the second murder, a third quickly follows, secrets are uncovered.

I found this quite a dull episode, it follows the previous episode in all ways, there is nothing dynamic at all. It's pretty much murder by numbers, with little depth to the characters, it needed more John Light. Filming, acting etc are all exceptional, as is the music.

A true waste of Angela Griffin, her character is devoid of any interest, in almost every scene she is sat with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee. Such a waste.

Ok, but be honest it's not a patch on the earlier episodes. 6/10

This half of the story has to do with connections between people who have little moral sense. We find that the men have trouble telling the truth; one of them is a cruel, nasty womanizer with no moral sense. He, like his insensitive associate can only think of himself. Another character never considers a more moderate path to get what he wants, or at least exercising options that most would. The threesome are able to put it all together, but they don't necessarily feel good about the results of their efforts.

Lewis ()Kevin Whately returns to his old position with no explanation. Apparently Hathaway (Laurence Fox) is sort of an equal that now he awkwardly refers to Lewis as "Robbie" not the usual "Sir" hinting at equals.

First half was dry but decent viewing to see what would play out. The revealing of clues cultivating possible villains was the episode's highlight. Then, it was all downhill. Rehashing theories over drinks seemed to be time killers.

Odd Hathaway creepy fascination with stunning Andrea Lowe as Philippa Garwood. Nothing comes out of it or told what's going on with the two.

A plodding episode with twists and turns that are mildly intriguing. The ending villain confession was way too melodramatic. Probably not the worst Lewis episode but close.

The plot holes gape ever wider; Hathaway's morose gaze gets less and less time off and he more and more speaks as if he is being charged for each word; Maddox continues to sound ghastly and be pointless; Lewis continues struggling to stay awake; and I struggle to stay awake.

The only positives remaining from this series's early days of (modest) promise are Clare Holman's beauty and charm but even they are bludgeoned by the lack of charm in the script.

Still, at least the tune is nice at the end and, of course, it isn't as bad as Life Born of Fire.