Lewis - Series 7 [DVD]

This is the last venture for the superb duo of Kevin Whately as Detective Inspector Robert Lewis, and Laurence Fox as D.S. James Hathaway. The series balances their relationship, each with his own strengths, no egos running amuck. Kevin Whately brings depth and drollery to his characterization of the widowed Lewis, whilst Laurence Fox as Hathaway adds wry humor as an ex-seminarian with issues of his own. Fox is gifted with a remarkable voice that would not go amiss in other ventures. Clare Holman as Dr. Laura Hobson adds another rich dimension with her elegant intelligence. Rebecca Front is great as the formidable "Mum," Chief Superintendent Innocent. Of course, it's a treat to meander through Oxford's beautifully filmed spires, cobbled streets, and nearby countryside. The tensions between upper-class academics and regular citizens of Oxford are examined.Each of the three episodes is feature-length, total running time is approximately 266 minutes; English subtitles; but no Specials! The three episodes:Down Among the FearfulCramped in rooms in his Oxford college with his wife and baby, psychology student Reuben Beatty leads a double life, moonlighting as a psychic. He hopes to make more money for his young family, but these aspirations are dashed when he is found mysteriously murdered after a session; his wife has no idea what her husband has been up to. Lewis and Hathaway investigate the world of psychic mediums in Oxford, not all is easily explained through rational means. Meanwhile, Dr. Laura Hobson subtlety seems to recognize that her feelings for the kind and jocular Lewis have deepened.The Ramblin' BoyAll goes awry after a party at a local big-shot's (Peter Davison) mansion. At the mortuary, bodies appear to be getting mixed-up, whilst an old philandering colleague of D.I. Lewis, Chief Superintendent Martin Cornish, has gone missing. The narrative expands from the environs of Oxford, to Bosnia. The best part of this is that it shows Hathaway off on a "sabbatical," searching for meaning by volunteering in poverty-stricken areas. One story-thread follows a suspicious female professor who has a bad history with men, who is overly obsessed with the girlfriend of another suspect, the "ramblin' boy," who is failing university. His emigre father has serious booze issues, and was present at the party that started the mystery. The relationship between Laura and Robbie deepens, over delicious take-out.Intelligent DesignBeautifully filmed, in a loving ode to Oxford, this last mystery resolves loose threads; it's s worthy send-off. We're back in traditional Morse/Lewis habitat now, with power-hungry Oxford Dons, gleaming science laboratories, and voraciously ambitious students. A man is released from prison, soon to meet a grisly end. Turns out he is a highly accomplished Oxford scientist who thoroughly disliked his holier-than-thou wife, and that he had killed a young girl in a drunk driving accident. In true "Lewis" style, a la Morse, during construction, a dessicated body is found in the Church attic where the murdered man's wife is Reverend. Meanwhile, Lewis considers retirement, in order to spend more time with his family and on his relationship with Dr. Hobson. Hathaway is disgusted by his own growing cynicism towards all suspects. All concludes at a familiar table at a pub, with pints at sunset. Enjoy!If only there were a Special, with interviews, to follow this up ...

I have just completed all the Morse and Lewis DVDs over the course of the past 12 months and tonight I feel bereft that I no longer will come home to new exploits by them. Over the course of the 33 episodes of Morse and the 7 series of Lewis I have grown to love the characters like my own friends or family to the extent that it feels rather like the morning after a particularly good retirement of a very close workmate.The stories were consistently of a very high standard, especially in the initial days when Colin Dexter was writing, I always like to look out for his cameo appearances in both series! Rather like a big-brother keeping an eye on things!The difference with police series like Lewis - and Morse - from the run of the mill cop dramas, was the quality of their characters which showed that policing the darker sides of the human condition does not necessarily lead to insensitivity. Morse loved his music, Hathaway his God and Lewis his family first , but also had a genuine affection for Morse and developed an almost parental protection of James by the end of the series.Rarely did the plots become overly fantastical or the denouements too unrealistic, but set against the natural 'stage' of Oxford colleges and countryside, and the wonderful music of the classical composers especially Mozart, and Barrington Phelong's title scores, there could have been a saccharine quality which would have turned all to farce, but the strength of cast and writing together makes for an enduringly excellent televisual treat. I cannot recommend these DVDs highly enough.

The press reviews of Lewis liked it and they were not spouting nonsense. This is a class act. The production is 'cranked up' from Morse reaching a quality 'high' and having Kevin Whatley continue a character begun in Morse makes the central character a much more smoothly worked personality than may otherwise have been. All rough edges worn away during Morse. He has also a very good screen rapport with other characters (especially Laurence Fox and Claire Holman). With the writing being 'darker' than Morse, more directly dealing with social evils the whole is classier and more gripping than the older series,(which remains a classic in its own right). Tempus fugits, however, and Robbie Lewis is of retirement age and must go the way of all good coppers, sad to say. As a 'spin off' Lewis is a cut above most and can stand on its own terms and deserves to. It is regretful that this is the last series as new Lewises have been top of my must see list from the beginning. As Hathaway is going too any further 'spin offs' are out of the question and it would in any case be difficult to achieve this continuum quality twice. So RIP Lewis/Morse I'll miss you. Thank God for DVDs.

A curious season. It has the feel of a farewell to the series, Lewis and Hathaway seemingly set for a parting of the ways. In fact more is to come.Only three episodes. No bonus features. Cases seem more down to earth. Routine police work required - none of those arguably over-plotted (but entertaining) convoluted storylines requiring intellectual brilliance to solve so much so cryptic.Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox again provide much to enjoy, although Hathaway is off-screen for most of Episode 2 (this paving the way for a whopping coincidence some may consider ludicrous). Introduction of a temporary new partner demonstrates how well Lewis works with others - the newcomer visibly warming to his sometimes tetchy but always fair boss.As ever, there are many opportunities to sip ale in the sun - reflecting on life amid glorious scenery. This is how the season ends. A good way to go actually. Hopefully Seasons 8 and 9 will justify the revival.