Ep 1. The Wolvercote Tongue

Inspector Morse is a British detective drama television series that originally aired from 1987 to 2000. The show is based on the novels by Colin Dexter and follows the character of Detective Chief Inspector Morse (played by John Thaw) as he solves crimes in the quaint English city of Oxford.

Season 2 episode 1, titled "The Wolvercote Tongue," begins with Morse and his trusty sidekick Detective Sergeant Lewis (played by Kevin Whately) being called to a crime scene in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. The scene is a hotel, where a wealthy businessman named Laura Stratton (played by Barbara Leigh-Hunt) has discovered that a valuable piece of jewelry, the Wolvercote Tongue, has been stolen from her room. This case immediately piques Morse's interest, as the Wolvercote Tongue is a famous artifact with a rich history in the area.

As Morse and Lewis begin their investigation, they encounter a number of potential suspects. Laura Stratton's husband, a former soldier named George (played by Alec McCowen), seems initially suspicious. He admits to having been in the room where the Wolvercote Tongue was kept, but claims not to have taken it. Meanwhile, the hotel's staff, including the head waiter and the room attendant, also come under scrutiny.

The primary lead in the investigation, however, comes from the hotel's resident historian, Dr. Theodore Kemp (played by Paul Freeman). Kemp is a bit of an eccentric, but he has an encyclopedic knowledge of local history and is convinced that he knows the identity of the thief. He claims that the Wolvercote Tongue has a curse upon it, and that anyone who steals it will meet with a gruesome fate.

As Morse and Lewis delve deeper into the case, they uncover a complex web of motives and relationships. Laura Stratton has a troubled past that implicates her in the theft. Meanwhile, Dr. Kemp has a personal stake in the case that raises suspicion. Morse must use his considerable deductive skills to untangle the various threads of the case and arrive at a surprising conclusion.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to the signature wit and cerebral approach of Inspector Morse. The show is known for its attention to detail and its use of classical music, and this episode is no exception. Morse is often seen listening to operas or pieces of classical music as he contemplates the case, and this adds to the show's unique atmosphere.

"The Wolvercote Tongue" is a prime example of the engaging storytelling and intriguing mysteries that Inspector Morse became known for. The episode is a perfect blend of detective work, character development, and subtle humor, and it showcases the talents of the show's talented cast and crew. Fans of the show and of British crime dramas in general are sure to enjoy this episode and the rest of the series.