Watch Inspector George Gently

Inspector George Gently is a captivating British crime drama set during the 1960s. Produced by Company Pictures, the show stars Shaun Evans as the eponymous Inspector George Gently, a seasoned and intuitive police detective who is transferred from London to the far reaches of Northumberland to investigate a series of murders that have rocked the local community. Christian Cooke co-stars as Detective Sergeant John Bacchus, Gently's impulsive and inexperienced partner, who must learn to work with the seasoned inspector to solve the often complex and grisly crimes.

The show is based on the novels by Alan Hunter, and each episode is a carefully crafted and atmospheric adaptation of one of his original stories. The show's creators have done a masterful job of bringing Hunter's characters to life on screen while also imbuing their adaptations with a distinctly modern sensibility. The result is a captivating and authentic portrayal of a pivotal decade in British history, complete with its own unique soundtrack, fashions, and social mores.

One of the standout features of Inspector George Gently is the dynamic between the two leads. Evans brings a quiet and reserved intensity to his performance as Gently, a man haunted by his past experiences as a soldier in World War Two. He doesn't suffer fools lightly and is often prickly with those around him, including his new partner Bacchus. Cooke, on the other hand, is brash and cocky, convinced that his modern methods are the key to cracking the case. Over time, however, the two men learn to appreciate and respect each other's different styles, forming a partnership that is often greater than the sum of its parts.

The crimes at the heart of each episode are invariably engaging and intriguing, and the show does a great job of keeping viewers guessing until the very end. Each episode is meticulously plotted, and the clues are often subtle and well hidden, meaning that Gently and Bacchus must often rely on their wits as well as their instincts to catch the perpetrator. The crimes themselves are not for the faint of heart, and the show doesn't shy away from depicting the darker side of human nature. However, the violence and gore are never gratuitous or exploitative, and always serve to advance the story and add to the overall sense of tension.

In addition to the central characters, Inspector George Gently boasts a strong supporting cast of recurring characters, including Gently's longtime friend and confidant, Dr. Panjabi, and Bacchus' wife, Lisa. These characters add depth and complexity to the show, providing insight into the personal lives of Gently and Bacchus and helping to flesh out the world in which they operate.

Overall, Inspector George Gently is a wonderfully atmospheric and captivating crime drama that is worth watching for any fan of the genre. The show's attention to detail, nuanced performances, and engaging mysteries make it a standout example of British television at its finest. Whether you're a fan of classic detective stories or simply looking for a well-crafted and engaging drama, Inspector George Gently is not to be missed.

Inspector George Gently is a series that ran for 8 seasons (25 episodes) between July 13, 2008 and on Company Pictures