If you notice that this TV series is on a channel; see it! It has been many years now, since John Thaw brilliantly contributed to this series, but it is just as good today. John Thaw as Inspector Morse is a study in good crime film, outstanding role performances and unique scenes in Oxford. It's no wonder that the spin-off series Lewis came in the cool water of this series. And while Lewis is also good, nothing beats Morse. In the series about Morse we meet a complex and exciting role figure, which John Thaw manages to bring forth the breadth and depth. Everything works well in this series, and some of the best is the ability to entertain while at the same time drama is on its best. I can not do anything else to recommend all new (and old) fans to spend time on this series. You will not regret it, while there is something wary about it too. Such as this is no longer made.

I am sorry, I never had the chance to meet John Thaw. He gave so much to his part as Chief Inspector Morse, and I always admired him for this. By that, I mean, I read a couple of Colin Dexter's novels, and I absolutely found them good - but sorry, not outstanding. But with Thaw came the elegance, personality - not 100% the precise character from the novels, no luckily John Thaw's personal version of Morse. I agree with another comment on this site, the TV version clearly surpasses the original novels.One of many fantastic things about this TV series is the fact, that the recipe was clear from day one. There is not one really bad episode among - impressive considering the many years, it took to shoot all the episodes. Actually the series almost starts with one of my favourite episodes "Silent World Of Nicholas Quinn" (1986) - and almost ends with one of them "Death Is Now My Neighbour" (1997). But in between we are treated with masterpieces such as "Who Killed Harry Field", "Driven To Distraction", "Decieved By Flight" - and my personal favourite "Death Of The Self". Each of the these episodes show how outstanding an actor John Thaw was - and how good the series really is.It is my favourite detective series, and it is simply one masterpiece after another.

Based on average crime novels by Colin Dexter, this is truly one of the times that the television version actually surpasses the novels in quality and makes the stories come alive and touch the heart and the mind. What makes this series so compelling, like the Duchess of Duke Street, Rumpole and Foyle's War, is the main character and the actor who created this marvelous,complex and compelling character. John Thaw and the producers/writers who worked with him made this a timeless series in the only way possible: make the lead character charismatic and intriguing (and extraordinarily well acted). It is virtually impossible for a series to last beyond several episodes based only on plots (I know, many will argue with this, but I stand my ground). The series has to be character driven to maintain its brilliance, episode after episode--in this case 33 episodes. That is not to say that the plots are unimportant, but only that they are clearly secondary to Morse and his relationships with those around him--especially his sergeant and his superior. But most important are his relationship with life and his values and the way he chooses to live his life; these are especially enthralling for a t.v. series (or movie or play or novel for that matter). I highly recommend this show--even for those not normally inclined to watch mysteries. This transcends the genre spectacularly. By the way, I greatly enjoy the Midsomer Murder series, but they are merely entertaining. The Morse episodes not only entertain, but can considered to be art.

Save for a trip to Australia, all episodes deal with murders in and around Oxford. For each of his character traits, ways of behaving and addictions one can either admire Morse or frown on him. But even if you don't like a Jaguar MK II, drinking beer or whiskey, Wagner and other classical composers, letting someone else pay for the drinks and falling in love with the wrong women, you will not be able to deny that the intellect, love, loyalty, courage, stamina, wit, tenacity and sometimes blunt hum-our, brought about by Morse and Sergeant Lewis and quite a few others (Strange and sometimes very beautiful coroners) has seldom been combined in this manner. (A Touch of)Frost is more human, Barnaby (Midsomer Murders) kinder and Dalziel (and Pascoe) grouchier than the late great John Thaw, but no one adds up like Inspector Morse.