Inspector Morse is without a doubt one of the greatest detective shows of all time. John Thaw was magnifcent in the role. While Morse was seen as difficult he had an understanding of people and often showed a sympathetic side amidst the cantankeorus persona. Don't let his treatment of Lewis fool you, his respect for Lewis comes around and together they are fabulous. Lewis is the common man's answer to Morse's intelligent wit often using laymans terms to simplify Morse's words. John Thaw's untimely death shortly after the shows ending added a sense of sadness to this masterpiece.

I love the show, when is the BBC going to put it back on in Houston.

Simply the best!

 Inspector Morse was one of my favorite series. A tragedy that John Thaw died before his time. Morse was a unique character. Though usually cranky, his softer side emerged over the episodes. The construction of his complex character was brilliant, revealing bits and pieces of his personality here and there. Morse was ultimately sympathetic and a bit tragic because of his loneliness, vulnerability (after repeated failures to find a relationship), intelligence, and exquisite taste in music and literature. He was a man usually steeled to the brutality and depravity of fellow humans, but his emotions eventually showed through the cracks of his gruff exterior. He was a man hardened to life by bitter disappointments in his past, hinted at but not revealed. Though my affection for the series was largely because of the Morse character and Thaw's portrayal, the plots were well conceived and engaging, the dialog well written, and the acting first rate.

I never got into Inspector Morse, maybe because the series isn't historically based, and because the main character is prickly and unsympathetic. We always saw him in that damn sports car, like some Bond wannabe. Still, the writing was better than that on Columbo, at least.

John Thaw portrays Inspector Morse very well. His character is well developed, yet such a lonely person with ecclectic interests. I like the way we find out information about Morse's personal life throughout the series. His method for thinking through the case and coming to a conclusion is an "aha moment." I also like Kevin Whately's character, who's life is more of an open book. His down to earth personality complements Morse's intensity. It is Lewis' common sense approach that aides Morse to solving the case.

After watching Inspector Morse I was wishing he and my Gran would hook up!

great show!

I had seen one or two episodes on TV a number of years ago and was not impressed. I decided to give it another shot, so I have rented the series from Netflix and am most of the way through the 30 plus episodes. I have to admit... I am enjoying the series more than I expected. Not all the episodes merit the 4 rating I have assigned above... some episodes are only "OK".

Now I know why my dearly departed mother was addicted to Chief Inspector Morse; John Thaw captured the essence of the character's pure emotional gullibility and sheer sensitivity; it was Morse's personality which my mom loved, in addition to the mysteries which Morse brilliantly solved.

One of the best!

My favorite among the contemporary detective series. John Thaw's death was untimely - he played the part of Morse very well. The relationship between him and Sergeant Lewis (Kevin Whately) was developed rather well through the series. Plots got somewhat convoluted at times, but were always interesting. The vintage Jag that Morse drove was a bonus feature of the series.

Better than average, and well written and acted.