Hearing about 'Lewis' for the first time when it first started, there was a big touch of excitement seeing as 'Inspector Morse' was and still is one of my favourites but also a little intrepidation, wondering whether the series would be as good. The good news is, like the prequel series 'Endeavour', 'Lewis' is every bit as good as 'Inspector Morse' and stands very well on its own two feet as a detective mystery and show in general.
'Lewis' was a show that started off promisingly with the pilot and the first season, while getting even better with a more settled Season 2 where the show hit its stride. Season 3 was more of a mixed bag (not a bad season at all, but started a little disappointingly, though better than reputed, with one of the show's generally lesser episodes "Allegory of Love"). Season 4 generally was one of the better seasons of 'Lewis', with all the episodes very good to great, and Season 5 was solid with the only disappointment being "The Mind Has Mountains".
Season 6 started off very well with "The Soul of Genius", while "Generation of Vipers" was even better. Unfortunately, "Fearful Symmetry" was very disappointing and has always been one of my least favourite 'Lewis' episodes. Luckily, "The Indelible Stain" saw the sixth season back on track.
The first half "Down Among the Fearful", the first episode of the show to be divided (more like chopped, the decision does feel like an awkward one) into two halves, is decent but not great, which is a not bad but slightly disappointing standard for 'Lewis'. The pace sometimes could have been tightened, and it is agreed that Hathaway as a character has had more spark and that his and Lewis' chemistry and banter has been better written in previous episodes, feeling a little bland though with moments here.
As always, however, the acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, advantaged by that Lewis is much more developed. Fox makes for a strong contrast, even if Hathaway has been better written elsewhere. The supporting cast are solid.
Production values are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot as always, and Oxford not only looks exquisite but is like a supporting character in itself. Barrington Pheloung returns as composer, and does a first-rate job. The theme tune, while not as iconic or quite as clever as Morse's, is very pleasant to listen to, the episode is charmingly and hauntingly scored and the use of pre-existing music is very well-incorporated.
Evidence also of decent writing, again though it has been stronger elsewhere, and the story mostly is compelling and easier to follow than the second half.
Overall, decent first half but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox