The BBC has revived a beloved literary detective duo for a new generation with its latest crime drama, simply titled 'Lynley'. This contemporary update, now available on BBC iPlayer, reintroduces viewers to Detective Inspector Tommy Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, characters originally created by bestselling author Elizabeth George.
A Classic Odd Couple Reborn
Portraying the upper-crust detective is Leo Suter, last seen as Harald Hardrada in 'Vikings: Valhalla'. Suter brings a physically imposing presence to the role of DI Lynley, described as a sharp-suited 'Balliol man' with a penchant for dropping Latin into conversation. His partner, the working-class DS Barbara Havers, is played by Sofia Barclay, known for her role in 'Ted Lasso'. Havers is a Norfolk-born officer with a forthright attitude that has landed her in professional jeopardy.
The series establishes their dynamic quickly. Havers, expecting to nursemaid an inexperienced 'city boy', is confronted with Lynley's tall, experienced, and decidedly confident demeanour. Their partnership is set against a backdrop of personal mysteries: Lynley has strained relations with his parents and may have left trouble behind in London, while Havers carries a secret family sorrow.
A Murder on a Private Island
The inaugural case plunges the pair into a classic whodunit. The body of Guy Brouard, a wealthy island owner played by Dave Anders, is discovered on his private beach, the victim of a fatal blow to the head. The investigation unfolds on his estate, revealing a web of potential motives among those closest to him.
The suspects include his wife Ruth (Wendy Nottingham), who is terminally ill, his all-seeing housekeeper Valerie (Amanda Drew), the groundsman Paul (Angus Cooper), and an expectant heir—his son, who is married to an attractive woman. Further complicating matters are a comely archaeology student and Valerie's young niece, both present on the estate. The plot, true to its source material, ensures every 'Chekhov's gun' fires, from sex tapes to pottery shards, delivering a neatly resolved mystery.
Undemanding Television Comfort
The series is positioned as the ultimate in undemanding television. It follows a reliable formula, paying out clues at a steady pace and tying up every loose end. For fans of the original novels or the earlier TV adaptation—'The Inspector Lynley Mysteries', which starred Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small and ran from 2003 to 2008—this new version offers a familiar comfort.
The show also seeds future storylines, including the impending arrival of Lynley's love interest, Helen Clyde, to be played by Niamh Walsh, and the unexplained animosity from his new superior, played by Daniel Mays. The production, from Playground TV, delivers the polished visuals and sure-handed pacing expected of a prime-time BBC drama.
In summary, 'Lynley' provides a competent and engaging return for the iconic detective pair. It makes no bold attempts to reinvent the genre wheel but instead offers a solid, well-acted mystery that promises easy viewing for crime drama enthusiasts. All episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
