Inspector Morse

Painting of Keble College, Oxford, by W Manhison

My all time favorite television series is Inspector Morse.  Loved it all  those twenty years ago when it first came on at PBS; love it still as I watch the episodes all over again on Netflix (eyesight and energy permitting).  I do like detective series in general and have watched quite a few, both British and American, through the years (preferring the British over the American); none however can top Inspector Morse.  The acting is incredible; the characters captivating (soulful, elitist and surly Chief Inspector Morse, juxtaposed by loyal, down-to-earth, affable Detective Sargent Lewis); the setting delightful (Oxford with all its history, academic prowess, and quintessential English decor); and the music magnificent, composed of mostly arias. The writing is beyond compare--the intricate plots keep me guessing with their many twists and turns; but my oh my, the insight into the motives and darkness of human heart is brilliant!

Here's Maria Callas singing  "Senza Mamma" from Puccini's "Suor Angelica"--an aira you might hear on Inspector Morse as the brooding inspector drives to crime scenes in his vintage red Jaguar or relaxes on his sofa, working on his crossword puzzles in his comfortably decorated drawing room.

You felt secure in your wickedness,
    you said, “No one sees me”;
your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray,
and you said in your heart,
    “I am, and there is no one besides me.”

But evil shall come upon you,
    which you will not know how to charm away;
disaster shall fall upon you,
    for which you will not be able to atone;
and ruin shall come upon you suddenly,
    of which you know nothing.

Isaiah 47:10-11