Lewis - Series 8 [DVD] [2014]

LEWIS Series 8 DVD 2014 I knew that I was going to miss at least some episodes and so pre-ordered the set early. It arrived the day after the series finished on scheduled television. It was good to see Lewis and Hathaway return from retirement/career break even if the excuse to put the team back together was at best a bit flimsy. Never-the-less the new series was first class and portrayed well the difficulties of re-uniting a former superior officer with his junior, now both the same rank. The viewer was kept wondering through the first episodes if the new partnership and old friendship would survive the reunion. In the end this is television fiction and if the boundaries of reality have already been stretched to accomodate the pairing then perhaps it would be more in keeping that they were assigned to a 'special' unit where rank would matter less than in the normal political hierachy of a standard police squad. I look forward to hearing that there will be a series nine in the not too distant future, Lewis is still quality viewing.

It's as splendid as ever. You really need to ignore the handful of misguided reviews which unjustifiably offer Lewis Series Eight negative criticisms. The series is back, it’s as good as ever and the cast remain expert within their characters, as they fully engage the viewer to this thoughtful sleuthing drama with utterly convincing performances - even though their fictional roles have changed somewhat (Lewis seconded back from retirement, Hathaway is now inspector and Madddox is the new female sergeant). The scripts are cleverly motivated, tightly woven and showcase the talents of Whately, Fox and Griffin perfectly. A glass of wine will make your evening’s viewing just perfect. I just hope there’s more in the pipeline.

In good condition,plays well,quick delivery.

This was a really well made series, slightly spoiled by the premise that Lewis was no longer a part of the team. The team, and the investigation(s) is now run by Hathaway but Lewis is called back in to 'aid' the investigation. Hmmmm not sure that worked. The fabulous Angel Griffin joined the team as DS Lizzie Maddox (note the DS!!!!) yet she's treated like a raw recruit and is sidelined virtually throughout the series - not well thought through. The saving grace, and hence the 4 stars, is that the main thrust of the stories are as good as usual. For a highly respected series, this went a bit off-line. So, a slight rethink by the writers, more use of the talented Ms Griffin for series 9 please.

This series could be titled "Lewis Rides Again" as a Series 8 looked unlikely at the end of Season 7. Season 7 ended with Lewis considering retirement and Hathaway unsure of his future. It was very pleasing that a further series was made and I have to say that the standard has been well and truly maintained. Lewis has always had beautifully written scripts and superb acting by the lead actors and supporting cast alike. Season 8 is a relatively short one with only three 90 minute episodes. This leaves you wanting more and I can only hope that there are further series of Lewis to come.

After reading some of the reviews I admit I was a bit sceptical about buying this series. I love Lewis and have the whole of series 1-7 which I have watched more than once (or twice) and didn't want to be disappointed. I wasn't. The thing about Lewis is the wonderful connection/relationship between Lewis and Hathaway and how they work perfectly together. In this latest series, Lewis comes out of retirement to help in (yet another) murder case. The difference is that both Lewis and Hathaway are Detective Inspectors which means neither is really the boss, yet in truth Lewis is the leader whilst Hathaway happily follows. There is a new Detective Sergeant (Lizzie Maddox), played perfectly by Angela Griffin who fits in well and adds to the team. This series is different from the first seven series, indeed if you look carefully into the first seven series you will find that each series is 'different'. However, as the two main stars are 'equals' it makes for a more subtle and interesting combination. For me Lewis is brilliant and this series is keeping the series as one of Britain's best.

Sometimes as a series develops you come to expect a watering down of the plot lines. In this the eighth instalment a new dynamic has been added by creating a trio. This allows the writers to explore the difficulties between the three lives. Both professional and private. Old and modern clash on all levels. Sometimes sparkling dialogue gives the impression of flippancy in the face of horrific deaths. Yet humour is a way of dealing with the horror. A thourghly enjoyable collection of three episodes that keeps the genre simmering nicely.

I came to Inspector Morse late, via the boxset. Lewis has turned out to be a worthy continuation, and again I have the complete set. Series 8 kept up the standard of rapport between the leading characters despite Lewis himself being in a retirement phase. Perhaps now is a good time to wind up the series, before it turns into parody. Incidentally, the third element of the Morse / Lewis saga, called Endeavour, is developing nicely, and series 2 ended in a cliffhanger, so presumably there is more to come.