The Inspector Lynley Mysteries – Set 4

 

Picture: C+     Sound: B-     Extras: D     Telefilms: C+

 

 

The Inspector Lynley Mysteries Set 4 encompasses the great detective solving mysteries of previous sets with just as much heart and gusto, even if it does not always lead to the greatest mysteries.  Inspector Lynley apparently is still separated from his wife Helen and emotionally dealing with his friend and partner Havers being shot.  Together with great cunningness and heart Lynley and Havers build not only cases but their own tension filled relationship.  An overall interesting series with its quirks that at times gets dry and the scenery is not visually stimulating. Perhaps the CSI series has over stimulated audiences for too long.

 

Nathaniel Parker (Inspector Lynley) and Sharon Small (Detective Sergeant) do an excellent job reprising their roles in these four new captivating mysteries.  In these four new telefilms emotional and physical tensions build with each mystery, especially between the crime solving duo. The mysteries of this set include:

 

-In Divine Proportion

-In the Guise of Death

-The Seed of Cunning

-The Word of God

 

The technical aspects of this DVD box set are passable but need improvement.  The picture is presented in 16 X 9/1.78 X 1 anamorphic Widescreen format, but at times still remains to have light/dark color issues.  The sound is presented in an adequate Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo with pro logic surrounds, which sounds quite good for the needs of the television film series.  The extras are nonexistent which remains upsetting due to the audience wanting to hear from the series actors and creators on the filming and concepts of the great mystery series.

 

Overall, an interesting television film series with great stories and depth.  The acting caliber is also quite high and keeps the viewers interest but can tend to drag after a while, making a few of the telefilms less than desirable.

 

 

-   Michael P Dougherty II