Inspector George Gently

As a huge fan of detective series/dramas, I was surprised at how much I loved Inspector George Gently. Three years ago, admittedly, it didn't completely appeal to me, but when I did decide to give the series a chance I am glad I did, and am struggling to give a good enough reason why it didn't appeal to me before. Inspector George Gently is brilliant in every aspect. It is strikingly filmed, with the photography stunning and the scenery and locations very well chosen and evocative. The music is very good too, quite stirring and haunting, and always careful not to overshadow what is going on on screen. Then we are treated to some truly great writing that is intelligent and has the odd bit of subtle humour and complex but very well explained stories. The direction is very fine, and the acting is top notch consistently with the guest actors making the most of their characters and stories and Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby brilliant both individually and together, complete with a very interesting chemistry. To conclude, this is a wonderful series that I can't wait to see more of. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I love British drama and police series are my favorite. This doesn't disappoint! Martin Shaw is fantastic as the slightly out of synch but always compassionate lead along with his side kick, Lee Inglebee as the incorrigible John Bachus. I only started watching this show from the beginning a few days ago but am now up to the 3rd season and will binge whenever I can to watch the entire series. It's filmed so beautifully and although I find the "hip" music of the 60s is, as was always the case back then, silly and out of touch, I simply turn down the sound when they get into car chases or whatever. Music of the 60's for some reason, was never used in movies and TV in the 60's, something I never understood then and now even less. I will continue to watch this to the end and will miss it when it's over. I am pretty housebound with an elderly father right now so finding something really excellent and entertaining like this to watch makes life a bit easier. Really excellent!

This is a high quality, well written series which contains excellent acting and believable plots (well, more believable than "Midsomer Murders" for example). The episodes can be viewed as standard "whodunnits" but also spectacularly reveal the massive changes in law, attitudes and culture in the UK over the past 45 years or so.

My only gripe is that, despite the great attention that is paid to period detail, the writers always make the mistake (not restricted to this series) of scripting the words "against you" in the caution used by a police officer when making an arrest. The UK police caution in such circumstances before 1995 was: "You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so but anything you do say may be given in evidence." The words "used against you" were only ever used in USA. To have used these words in UK could have prejudiced the case.

I only recently discovered this little unsung gem on PBS. I am English and am always attracted by British shows. This is a truly excellent series, the stories are always different and well thought out. The 90 minute time allows for more developments than those of 60 minutes shows which often lack details of characters and plot. It's interesting the way the 60's setting allows prejudices at that time to pop up and impact the stories. As a Gay man one scripting nugget I truly appreciated was when the younger detective voiced his homophobic opinions, Gently mildly pointed out that electroshock treatment could be considered, when the younger guy responded with that "it doesn't work, their still queer" Gently reproved with the witty response "I meant for you.'

I have happily endorsed this show to many people, well worth anybody's time.

Martin Shaw plays an out of sync copper. He want answers, he wants justice, he wants someone caught but he will play by the rules. He gets paired with a younger partner, John Bacchcus played by Lee Ingleby, who is more interested in getting results than following the rules but "understands" he might learn something from his unwanted mentor George Gently. OK the characters last names may be a bit too much symbolic but their working relationship is well worth watching and the writing is quit good. Getting through the accents might be a push for some but after a few episodes you get the cadence. A good series. And I like the Bacchus character, who doesn't like a flawed character especially one who is a quick study.