Morse revisited?
Well, it's a tribute to "Lewis" that it is even mentioned in the same breath as "Morse". Some might cavil at the apparent superficiality of Lewis compared to the operatic deep-thinking Morse, but Lewis has great integrity and humanity and - after all - he is still wet behind the ears compared to his Mentor. There are the same well-thought-out plots, the same magnificent settings. As an expat I love to see these wonderful views of England in this context. And Hathaway is brilliantly-cast - as good a sidekick as Lewis was to Morse. Don't these producers choose such wonderful supporting actors? No, "Morse" it isn't, but none the worse for that. It is Ryan Giggs to George Best; different, and possibly not quite up to the original, but damned good entertainment for all that ....

What a great success !
A great series ! Lewis is a joy to watch as it is packed with superb actors while the editor has done his job to a high standard ! The writing is first rate - it is clear that Colin Dexter is exerting a very positive influence on the proceedings ! Robbie Lewis is a more sombre character now that his wife has died and that his best friend Morse has passed away . Laurence Fox has risen to the challenge and is an excellent choice to play Hathaway - had they wanted a sidekick that was totally different to Lewis then they have certainly picked both the right actor and the best possible character . The Fox clan have made yet another great contribution to detective fiction - just as Edward did in The Hollow and as James did in Death On The Nile . Fans of Laurence Fox should also watch The Sittaford Mystery just to see what a great character actor he is ! Continuity is ensured by virtue of having the same pathologist as in Morse and yes the formidable female Supt supplies a change from Strange ! It is a pity that James Grout is too ill for a cameo as seeing him tear her off a strip would be a nice comic touch amid the murders of high powered university types . I choose not to comment on specific episodes as I do not want to ruin the element of surprise for people seeing Lewis Season Two for the first time - but it is well worth the knock down price offered by Amazon. It is lovely to see Kevin Whately back as Lewis as he always played the part so well . As an Oxford resident one hopes that this great series continues as tourism can only be aided by it !

Doing very well so far...
This review is mainly in answer to the previous review by Joe Smith "NM" made in March 2008. And yes, Joe, I have watched (and thoroughly enjoyed) all of the episodes of Lewis!

1. Lewis has not developed into a "clone of Morse" - he has aged, he is now a widower - and he has gained in seniority and experience. He has developed as a character, which is exactly what one expects - and hopes - a well-delineated fictional character will do. And how could he possibly remain the same lovable family man when his wife is dead and his children are grown up and living abroad?

2. To say that Morse and Lewis had a "buddy relationship" is merely to use a simplistic, jargon phrase that means nothing. They started out as a testy superior and his somewhat resentful and under-appreciated sergeant. Over the course of the series they developed a good working relationship and a mutual respect and affection. The progress of that interaction, as portrayed by Thaw and Whately, was one of the great delights of the series. To watch the interaction between Lewis and Hathaway is bound to be one of the fascinations of the new Lewis series. How could it not be?

3. If the earlier reviewer does not like shots of Oxford, scenes containing students, beautiful landscapes, detectives solving crimes, Barrington Pheloung's music etc - then why did he ever watch either Inspector Morse or Lewis in the first place? He was never going to like them was he?

Not all episodes of Lewis are perfect - but neither were all early episodes of Morse. The series - and the characters - have to develop and grow. So far, I think they're doing pretty well.


Morses sidekick triumphs
I watched Morse, I own all the series of Morse, I love Morse!

I greeted this series with dislike even before I saw the first episode rather childish I know but thats me. Nothing else on the tv that night so I thought what the heck.

Watching the character of Lewis slowly unfold without the ever present Morse was fun. I would recommend the two series to any Morse farn or indeed any crime fan.

Its enjoyable, the characters are likeable and the acting brilliant the story lines arnt bad either. Lewis is the new Morse.



So far the best I know
As an avid Morse fan - Lewis is even better. Whately brings his Lewis character to full bloom through the series and Fox is developing apace as Hathaway. Their relationship is growing in a believable way. I just love the series. Unfortunately one of the disks in the collection I just bought was faulty - but Amazon is sending me a new one, free. This is good service and ensures my ongoing business with them.

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