The Ruth Rendell Mysteries

We read the reviews and thought it would be a great series. The first story was carried over 4 episodes. Could have been done in an hour and still not with it! After the first episode, we were stunned and underwhelmed. However, we continued to watch (and FF where possible) to get to the merciful conclusion of the storyline. The worst "police" we've seen in any series. No focus. No passion except when they overacted. We read that Ruth Rendell based Wexford on herself. Passionless (except when overacting), no real ability to reason or solve crimes - so how was she able to write if she's like her character??? We will not waste our time on the remaining 44 episodes.

Why no cast list for this very popular TV programme of the 90's. It should really have been called ' Wexford ' The star, Detective Chief Inspector Reg Wexford is played by George Baker a very experienced and accomplished UK actor. The programme is set in rural England, probably Hampshire. Wexford is a good old fashioned reliable solid British Policeman. We are not talking here about gruesome murders or car chases. We are talking about traditional detection methods and a Policemen who has integrity and the trust of the public. In truth Baker looks that he is old enough to retire for the whole of the series. He is assisted by a younger Inspector Burden ( Christopher Ravenscroft)and his attractive wife played by Diane Keen.

Terribly slow. No action. Boring. Very few supporting actors. Waste of time.

I love a good British mystery, especially of the pre-2000 variety. Hence I was excited when YouTube suggested I watch a few episodes of Ruth Rendell.

But boy, what a disappointment. What could be a reasonably entertaining (and even then, hardly more than that) 30-minute story gets shamelessly dragged out into four (4) episodes of 50 minutes each. Someone's getting married? Great; let's show the church; the guests arriving; the brides sashaying down the isle; the ceremony; the 'Just Married'; the couple driving off on their honeymoon. Etc. Etc. Never mind that it serves no purpose in the story whatsoever.

I can see how a lonely old person in the 1980s, with a total of two programs on their black-and-white telly, might give it a go. But for today's viewer, this show is the definition of boring.

I love this series, if you're after heavy drama, action, blazing guns, forget it, this wouldn't be for you, but if you're a fan of clever, engaging, character driven mysteries, this series could well be for you.

It's a real shame that the vast majority of this series has never been made commercially available, but I'm sure if you look hard enough you'll get to see them. I believe there are contractual issues, some are available from Germany though.

Of course Wexford is the main focus, he appears in some truly wonderful episodes, among my favourites are A Sleeping Life and Achilles heel, both are excellent, unique mysteries. Sometimes they can be a little drawn out, but such is the style of the mystery. I'm not such a lover of the much later episodes.

Baker and Ravenscroft to a fine job, watch out for Peter Capaldi and Annette Crosbie.

I have always thought this series would be a great one to revive, they could add a real touch of magic to it.