Ep 21. Inspector Lewis, Series IV: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things - Part 1
- September 4, 2011
In this episode of Inspector Lewis, Series IV: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things - Part 1, the audience is taken on a thrilling journey through the world of academia and secrets in Oxford. It’s been a few years since the audience last saw Inspector Lewis and his partner, DS Hathaway, and this series is a much-anticipated follow-up. Fans will not be disappointed with the level of intrigue and mystery in this episode.
When an old friend of Lewis’ is found dead in the river, Lewis is drawn into investigating the circumstances of her death which quickly becomes more complex than expected. The dead professor, Grace Orde, was an expert in the works of John Ruskin and her death prompts plenty of questions as to why she was in the river in the first place. Was it a suicide or possibly a murder? Lewis and Hathaway soon realize that Grace Orde may have been keeping secrets from them, along with other members of the faculty.
During their investigation, the detectives also meet with a group of students who are studying Ruskin’s works and who seem to be acting slightly erratic. This sends Lewis and Hathaway on a hunt through the college where the dead professor worked and sparks intrigue that all is not as it seems in the world of academia. They soon find themselves investigating more than just the death of the professor as members of the faculty seem to have many skeletons in their closets.
But the detectives are not alone in their investigation. The Vice Chancellor of the college, who is both powerful and influential, is very interested in what is happening with the investigation and the role of his staff members. This adds further complexity to the plot, raising questions as to whether some faculty members are being protected and why.
Inspector Lewis, Series IV: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things - Part 1 is a chilling and thrilling episode that leaves the audience hanging, wanting to find out more about what happened to the professor and the secrets that are being kept by the college’s faculty. The cast is skilled at keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the plot twists and turns throughout the episode.
Terence Laclayton plays the role of Inspector Lewis with aplomb, portraying the character’s intelligence and wit. Kevin Whately shows Lewis’ vulnerability and the difficulty he has managing his personal life and his job. Laurence Fox is equally impressive as the quick-witted Hathaway with a lot of the pair’s witty dialogue providing much-needed levity in what is otherwise a fairly dark tale.
The setting of Oxford is a character in itself, and the show’s creators know how to use it to evoke a sense of supernatural eeriness. When watching Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things - Part 1, the audience will be transported to a world of ancient architecture, winding alleyways, and hidden courtyards that are full of secrets.
Overall, Inspector Lewis, Series IV: Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things - Part 1 is a masterful combination of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Fans of the series will be pleased to see inspector Lewis back in action and will find themselves eagerly looking forward to the next episode. This show also offers a great entry point for those who are new to the series but intrigued by university secrets and murder-mystery.
