"Inspector Morse" (1987) TV series 1987-2000

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Release Date:

4 February 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

Plot:

A grouchy but cultured police detective and his easy going partner investigate crimes around the British community of Oxford.

Plot Keywords:

Oxford | Police | Detective | Inspector | Police Detective

Awards:

9 wins & 12 nominations

Cast

John Thaw	...	Chief Inspector Morse (33 episodes, 1987-2000)
Kevin Whately	...	Detective Sergeant Lewis (32 episodes, 1987-2000)
Colin Dexter	...	College porter showing Morse and Lewis to John Brewster / ... (30 episodes, 1987-2000)
James Grout	...	Chief Superintendent Strange (22 episodes, 1987-2000)

Runtime:

120 min (33 episodes)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG (some episodes) | Australia:MA (some episodes) | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Abersoch, Gwynedd, Wales, UK

Company:

Zenith Entertainment

Trivia:

The main change between the books and the TV series is that Morse's prurient and earthy interest in pornography and seedy striptease clubs is absent from the TV version.

Quotes:

Morse: When I'm thinking, I get thirsty.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Music of Morse (2007) (TV)

A Real Treasure

Well, where can one begin. Inspector Morse is remarkable in every way. The characterisation of Morse and Lewis is wonderful. By the end of the series we know so much about Morse. It kind of brings a bonding between the character of Morse and the viewer. The show gives an English cultural feel to the programs which is also reflected by the character of Morse.

I also like the way in which Morse CAN get it wrong. It makes him human. This element is wonderfully executed as it deceives the viewer into following the track of Morse and then slaps you back in the face much to the viewers shock. This adds a fabulous twist and an element of surprise which is hard to find in many detective programs.

There are not many detective programs that carry symbols to represent themselves either. The Jaguar, the pub, the opera, classical music and crosswords. All these objects made the program. I mean, if I saw a red Jaguar parked in town, the first thing that would come to my head would be Morse.

I also believe that John Thaw and Kevin Whatley should be given so much credit for the way in which they have brought these characters to life. They came across so convincingly and played so well off of each other. A truly wonderful experience.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say that John Thaw was a fine and wonderful actor who will be missed greatly.