Inspector Morse Set Four: The Infernal Serpent

John Thaw is in rare form as Detective Inspector Morse in these three mysteries, Kevin Whately is superb as Sergeant Lewis. Morse supposedly consumes too much ale, but consumption levels looks respectable to me, though Morse's beer better not be cloudy, or Lewis will hear about it. I like my ales rich and cloudy, but prefer DVDs to have clarity, be prepared for a low-quality picture (resolution improves in later sets). These collections improve the further you advance, by Set Nine, the stories are better. Once you're done with this series, continue to follow Lewis in the excellent  Masterpiece Mystery: Complete Inspector Lewis , where he is paired with Laurence Fox as the wryly deadpan, intellectual Sergeant Hathaway.Deceived by Flight: The English sport of cricket meets murder, and Lewis proves his adroitness in both these fields of endeavor, while murder and drugs create a toxic mix. I still don't understand Morse's deplorable taste in women, yet fine palate with ale. Odd.The Secret of 5B: Morse is about to embark on a romance with pathologist Dr. Grayling Russell, but as usual, things go amiss, with the advent of a roving playboy-architect's murder. We again hear the refrain from Morse that "beer is food." The scene with Morse coping with a redheaded professional seductress proffering drinks and conversation is one of the best portions of a convoluted plot.The Infernal Serpent: Unsavory secrets abound in an academic family's closet, including accusations of child abuse. The fine Cheryl Campbell plays a character who wants the truth to come out. As well, environmental debate takes a dark turn. This is nasty stuff with an overly dramatic plot, but the cast gives credibilty to the horrors depicted.

Watching John Thaw as Inspector Morse with Sgt. Lewis at his side investigating the mysteries is a joy to watch. Fine acting and good writing keeps you on the edge of your couch or chair to see the outcome. Deceived by Flight, the first mystery, has the fine actor Nathaniel Parker of Inspector Lynley fame in it and he is always a pleasure to see. The Infernal Serpent has a young John Wilkinson, who has had a fine career and he always adds some fine acting in whatever he does, which has been a long career in movies and English mysteries. I am a fan. All in all a good set to add to your collection.

I only recently discovered this show and I'm so glad I did. The writing is top notch and the acting is flawless. I appreciate the cerebral method of tracking down killers as opposed to the kicking in of doors and gun violence. (Although, I do like that sort of show as well - like Justified.) It helps that the caught killers almost always give up with only a slump shouldered resignation as opposed to violent resistance.Inspector Morse is smart, acerbic, irritable and loves good beer and classical music. He is also fortunate to have the good-natured Detective Sergeant Lewis as his partner. Another less agreeable sort might be a lot more aggressively reactive about Morse's peevishness. Detective Lewis is fortunate to have Morse as his boss as it will make him the great detective that he eventually becomes.

I am very pleased with the excellent service and product

For me British mysteries are the best. I started watching them in the 80s on PBS. Inspector MorseWas probably my favorite. Morse portrays a crabby out of sorts chief inspector, as he does inAll of his Inspector Morse rolls. He always solves his cases, inspite of his Superintendent doubts.Any Inspector Morse movie is a winner. Ron

I have thoroughly enjoyed this serial. The mix of a good crime thriller with the complexity of Inspector Morse and his ability to surpass his personal interests in crime solving keep this show entertaining

The stories are a good challenge to the viewer trying to keep up with Morse. Thaw and Wheatley handle their roles well. And the red Jag is a nice touch.

The only fault with the Inspector Morse movies is the lack of closed captioning. Other than that they are great!

It arrived early and (outwardly) in condition described. I haven't played it yet but am confident it will be fine. Very pleased with purchase.

Bought as a gift and I think the person enjoyed it. Arrived in good condition.

Excellent

Morse is always great and this set was no different. Lovely scenery and compelling plot keeps us addicted to the series