Inspector Lynley Returns to PBS’ Mystery! Powerhouse
Mystery! Rocks On with Scotland Yard’s Dynamic Dueling Duo, Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sergeant Barbara Havers
PBS’ adult dramatic programming has a certain snobbish reputation in the United States that probably repels more potential viewers than it attracts. What a shame, though, because some of the best crime series on American television are not Yankee-style procedurals in the vein of Law & Order and CSI, but rather British imports, most based on serial suspense novels, that appear on public stations as part of the long-running and venerable Mystery! series.
Nothing is better than the ability to watch such quality and highly interesting detective shows for free, as opposed to shelling out extra dough for cable channel BBC America, which airs similar fare sporadically. So while everyone else who follows television is getting excited about the slew of fall shows debuting or returning in the following weeks, yours truly is beside herself with joy over the latest four installments of the compelling Inspector Lynley Mysteries beginning on PBS tonight. It sure is going to be good reuniting with dapper Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and his headstrong partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers (Sharon Small).
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, adapted from the bestselling novels of American author Elizabeth George, follow the personal and professional circumstances of Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers as they solve crimes out of Scotland Yard. Their relationship is an often contentious affair that has matured and strengthened somewhat over the years, despite their extremely different backgrounds and frequent antagonistic disagreements. Lynley is a man of good breeding, in the classic British nobility sense (he’s the eighth Earl of Asherton), while Havers is unmistakably working class in every respect, from her demeanor to her outlook. Originally partnered because no one else wanted to work with either of them, the two could not be more distinct yet still oddly alike.
The end of the previous season saw Havers’ career in jeopardy after she was shot on the job and Lynley facing separation not only from his partner, but his longtime love and wife, Helen (Emma Fielding), as well. Fresh tales of intrigue will explore the ramifications of those developments as the newest four 90-minute, commercial-free episodes, all of which originally aired in the United Kingdom during March and April 2005, unfold on four consecutive Sundays, from September 10 to October 1. If you already identify as a fan of British detective shows or simply seek a change of pace in your viewing habits, the forthcoming Inspector Lynley Mysteries could very well be just the type of must-see TV you need.
Schedule*
- Sunday, September 10: In Divine Proportion
- Sunday, September 17: In the Guise of Death
- Sunday, September 24: The Seed of Cunning
- Sunday, October 1: The Word of God
*All PBS times may vary—Check your local listings to verify them
Inspector Lynley Mysteries photo courtesy of the BBC
LOVED this series and would hope that someday there will be more chapters. What chemistry they have. Have seen them all on DVD from my local FL library.
You and I both love this series, Jean. Thanks for commenting — it reminded me I need to look into when the next episodes of Inspector Lynley will air. I pray the show isn’t finished.