L'ispettore Gently

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.

It's an outstanding Police series set in the northeast in the mid 60's when murderers are still sent to the gallows. Martin Shaw plays Detective Chief Inspector George Gently and Ex Metropolitan Police officer and Lee Ingleby plays a cocky young Detective Sergeant Bacchus. Bacchus is occasionally described as a nasty piece of work and he often is. He's George's bulldog and George is not afraid to set him lose. In 60's terms, George would not be classed as corrupt but he's not adverse to giving a bit of a slap when necessary. He's keen to get the right person locked up. Martin Shaw is worlds away from the smug hypocritical Judge Deed and all the better for it. From my own experience I can say that the series is quite realistic and I have no hesitation in recommending it. I look forward to further episodes

/refers to seasons 1-7/ Yes, like most British crime series, Inspector George Gently is not just solving crimes, it gives a broad overview of vices and virtues, ups and downs around the place the events take place. True, the stuff and solutions are not of equal interest and wittiness, but they seem realistic, not artificially constructed. Unlike some other series, as for private moments, the one in question focuses on the ones of George Gently and John Bacchus (performed masterfully by Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby, respectively), providing additional background for their thoughts and deeds, but still not filling the screen-time in vain. The only "minus" from me goes to the fact that the main characters remain rather static, their principle do not "open" even after decisive changes in the society; on the other hand, however, it was pleasant to follow the environment characteristic to that era, yet constant smoking jangled my nerves quite a lot :) Thus, a meaty creation, to be recommended to watch in sequence, but not mandatory - there are enough references to necessary moments happened before. I took my time to watch all seasons, and I am contented, although each episode is around 1.5 hours...

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!

There are two massive reasons to like and admire this series.

1. The characters. The solid, thoughtful Inspector Gently is perfectly matched against his hot-headed subordinate Bacchus. I love both these personalities, and the way their peculiar, very 1960s outlooks interlock. Bacchus in particular is a really great creation, because he's likable in spite of his obvious faults.

2. The fact that it's ABOUT something. These are not just mindless whodunit puzzles. Each episode of the show has a strong point to make. In fact, multiple points. About how attitudes have evolved, during and since the 1960s. About human nature. About the law, and policing. This is a show that works as a police procedural, but also works extremely well as drama.

Apart from those two strengths, the show has atmosphere, a unique style, great dialog, and seething emotional confrontations. It's thoughtful, yet never slow. In fact, it's good on every conceivable level, including many that are rarely present in mere TV entertainment.

In short, this is one of the best cop shows ever to come out of the UK. Or anywhere else, for that matter.