Seventeen years after it vanished from the screen, the beloved BBC crime dramaInspector Lynleyhas returned – and the reception has been far from welcoming. The original series, a captivating blend of mystery and social commentary, captivated audiences from 2001 to 2008 with its compelling leads and gritty depiction of British life.
Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small defined the roles of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, a privileged aristocrat, and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, a fiercely independent working-class officer. Their dynamic, a fascinating study in contrasts, fueled six seasons of intricate murder investigations and earned a devoted following.
Now, a reboot based on Elizabeth George’sThe Inspector Lynley Mysteriesattempts to recapture that magic, transplanting the action to the landscapes of Norfolk. However, early reactions suggest the new iteration struggles to live up to the legacy of its predecessor.
Critics have offered lukewarm assessments. One review described it as “bland but serviceable,” suggesting it requires a complete lack of prior attachment to the original. Others deemed it “undemanding telly,” while still acknowledging a certain old-school charm.
The harshest critiques focused on perceived shortcomings in the acting and scriptwriting, with some reviewers lamenting a lack of care in the production. This sentiment appears to be echoed by many viewers who tuned in to the first episode.
Online, fans expressed disappointment, citing a lack of chemistry between the new leads and a noticeable absence of the original series’ unique charm. Many felt the reboot failed to capture the essence of the characters they had grown to love.
The setting itself has undergone a significant shift. Unlike the London-based investigations of the books and original series, the reboot’s detectives operate out of a base covering Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. This change emphasizes the beauty of East Anglia’s countryside.
However, the majority of filming actually took place in Ireland, utilizing locations in Dublin, the surrounding areas, and the Wicklow Mountains. Additional scenes were shot in the English countryside and along the Thames Estuary, adding visual texture to the series.
Despite the widespread criticism, some viewers remain open to the reboot, describing it as “old-fashioned fun” and even praising it as superior to recent crime dramas. A few appreciated the straightforward storytelling and the attempt to modernize the characters.
The new Lynley, played by Leo Suter, represents a departure from the overtly aristocratic portrayal of the original. Suter explained that a character so openly privileged would be less believable in today’s world, requiring a more nuanced approach.
Sofia Barclay, who steps into the role of Havers, acknowledged the pressure of following in Sharon Small’s footsteps. However, she also emphasized the significant differences between the script and the source material, suggesting a fresh interpretation of the beloved story.
The writer, Steve Thompson, is credited with adapting the world of the novels while maintaining the core energy, characters, and spirits – but with altered circumstances. This approach, Barclay believes, alleviates some of the burden of expectation.
