UK - Police Drama - ITV - 1987 - 2000

The complicated cases of a cerebral Oxford detective.

Chief Inspector Morse (his first name concealed for many years) of the Thames Valley Police is an Oxford graduate and a lover of culture. Poetry, Wagnerian opera and cryptic crosswords are his passion, along with gallons of real ale to oil the cogs of his brilliant detective mind. Some-what squeamish for a policeman, and always with an eye for the ladies (although seldom a success with the opposite sex). Morse cruises the streets of Oxford in his 1960 Mark 2 red Jaguar, accompanied by his ever faithful sergeant Lewis, a Geordie making his way up the CID ladder. Unlike the crotchety batchelor Morse, Lewis is a family man, and the contrast between the two is well contrived. The pair enjoy a good working relationship, even if Morse cruelly patronizing at times.

The Inspector Morse books were written by Colin Dexter.

John Thaw, the actor who played Inspector Morse in the TV films, sadly lost his battle against cancer and died on 21st February 2002 at his Wiltshire home.