This episode of Inspector Morse stands out from the usual run of this series. The subject of devil worship is creepy, even in our times, and the actions of Barrie and the people who aid and abet him can disturb us. The chief pleasure in this story is the acting. Michael Culver plays the aloof Willowbank, who feels disdain for Morse and Lewis until his cozy little diabolist world is turned upside down by the murderous Barrie--then he turns into a terrified, helpless victim. Keith Allen, an actor I wasn't familiar with, plays Barrie with wonderful menace.
Katrina Levon's big scene with John Thaw and Harriet Walter is superbly well done. She is barely concealing her anger and frustration with her boss's somewhat paternalistic attitudes (although we are allowed to sympathize with Morse's old-school thinking). Harriet Walter as the psychiatrist with the big secret plays the first hour or so as though she was dosed with Valium, but finishes with more passion than anybody has shown in this series, that I can recall. She's a wonderful actress, and the script gives her some fine lines. "When you find the owner of this ring, tell her what I did. You'll find your answer there."
Katrina Levon's big scene with John Thaw and Harriet Walter is superbly well done. She is barely concealing her anger and frustration with her boss's somewhat paternalistic attitudes (although we are allowed to sympathize with Morse's old-school thinking). Harriet Walter as the psychiatrist with the big secret plays the first hour or so as though she was dosed with Valium, but finishes with more passion than anybody has shown in this series, that I can recall. She's a wonderful actress, and the script gives her some fine lines. "When you find the owner of this ring, tell her what I did. You'll find your answer there."