The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, a BBC crime drama that first aired in 2001 and ran for seven years, has been praised by viewers as "one of the best of all the Brit mysteries." The show, based on the bestselling novels by Elizabeth George, follows the unlikely detective duo of DI Thomas "Tommy" Lynley and DS Barbara Havers, played by Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small.
A Clash of Backgrounds
DI Lynley comes from an aristocratic background, while DS Havers is from a working-class life. Their conflicting personalities often lead to clashes, but they work together to solve complex murder cases, including public school disappearances, political conspiracies, and aristocratic family murders.
The Show's Unexpected End
Speaking about the series finale, Nathaniel Parker revealed that the cast did not know it would be the last series while filming. He told Entertainment Weekly: "Well, it's kind of strange because when we shot it we didn't know it would be the end. They canceled the series after we finished shooting, so there is no tie-up to it."
He added: "There's been quite a sweet response, a wonderful response really, here and in Europe. I mean around the world, really. Lots of petitions and things like that sent to the BBC." Parker recalled being asked by 17,500 viewers in Amsterdam to accept a petition to take back to the BBC, which he found slightly embarrassing.
Lasting Fan Appreciation
Although the series ended in 2008, with a revival airing last year, it remains beloved by BBC viewers. One fan commented: "A magnificent duo - up there with Holmes & Watson, Morse & Lewis [...] Both characters are utterly convincing and indeed inspiring as people. There are many duos as detectives, but this is one of the best."
Another viewer wrote: "Better than the books by far. Having seen the television version before reading the books, I can heartily recommend the video version over the print one." A third added: "One of the best of all the Brit mysteries. Everything about this show works well -- the plotting, the acting, the direction, the sets -- but what is truly above average is the relationship that slowly develops between the two stars, making this show both a mystery program and a character-based one."
A fourth commented: "Very Enjoyable Series. I find this series very satisfying. It is character-driven and has compelling dialogue between Lynley and Sgt Havers. Havers is the real star of the show." The Inspector Lynley Mysteries is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
