Hearing about 'Lewis' for the first time when it first started, there was a big touch of excitement seeing as 'Inspector Morse' was and still is one of my favourites but also a little intrepidation, wondering whether the series would be as good. The good news is, like the prequel series 'Endeavour', 'Lewis' is every bit as good as 'Inspector Morse' and stands very well on its own two feet as a detective mystery and show in general.
'Lewis' hit its stride properly in Season 2, although the pilot was promising and Season 1 was mostly strong even if not everything had settled yet. Season 2 started off fantastically with "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" and "Music to Die For", if not quite good, is no less inferior. Innocent again doesn't bring much and is not particularly interesting.
The acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, advantaged by that Lewis is much more developed and as said he has more development. Clare Holman adds a lot. Forgot to mention inexplicably in my review for "And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea" that Fox is a breath of fresh air in a great contrasting role that reminds one of a more intelligent Lewis in his younger days and his sparkling sparring chemistry with Whately is a big part of the episode's, and show's, appeal.
Production values are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot (some of the best of the show at this point), and Oxford not only looks exquisite but is like a supporting character in itself. Barrington Pheloung returns as composer, and does a first-rate job. The theme tune, while not as iconic or quite as clever as Morse's, is very pleasant to listen to, the episode is charmingly and hauntingly scored and the use of pre-existing music is very well-incorporated.
Much of the writing is smart and thoughtful, some lovely droll exchanges with Lewis and Hathaway and some emotional impact. The story draws one right in and never lets go, with gripping twists and turns and a tense and surprising climax.
Overall, excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox