Ep 19. Inspector Lewis: Fearful Symmetry

Inspector Lewis: Fearful Symmetry is the nineteenth episode of the Masterpiece season 42 and is a must-watch for mystery fans. The show follows the story of Detective Inspector Robert Lewis and his partner Detective Sergeant James Hathaway as they investigate a new murder. The episode is set in Oxford, and as always, the city plays a crucial role in the story.

In this episode, DI Lewis and DS Hathaway are tasked with investigating the death of a young female physics student at Oxford University. The student was studying string theory and had been working with a team of top scientists. The investigation leads the detectives into the world of academia and the complex world of theoretical physics.

As the detectives delve deeper into the investigation, they discover a number of suspects and motives. The victim's boyfriend, who had just broken up with her and was jealous of her success, is a potential suspect. There is also a rival professor, who believes that the victim's research could lead to his being outranked, and a tour guide who was seen arguing with the victim on the day of her death.

One of the things that make this episode particularly interesting is the academic world that it exposes. The detectives interview a number of professors, researchers, and students, each with their own intricate stories and theories. This provides an insight into the world of high-level academia, where competition can often be fierce, and reputations can be made or broken by the success or failure of a single research project.

Another aspect of the episode that stands out is the character development of the two detectives. Throughout the series, DI Lewis has been portrayed as a veteran detective, who has seen it all and doesn't let much get to him. However, in this episode, we see a more emotional side of him as he faces personal struggles. Meanwhile, DS Hathaway continues to grow into his role as Lewis's partner.

The cinematography of the episode is also unique, with beautiful shots of Oxford and the university's architecture. The show highlights the juxtaposition of the ancient and modern, with high-level theoretical physics taking place in ancient buildings with centuries of history.

The episode is well-paced, with the mystery slowly unraveling as the detectives interview witnesses and discover new information. The plot twists keep the audience engaged and ensure that the mystery remains unpredictable until the very end.

Overall, Inspector Lewis: Fearful Symmetry is a great addition to the series, and a must-see for those who enjoy a good murder mystery. The unique academic setting, coupled with the character development of the two detectives and the intricate plot, make for an exciting and entertaining episode.