# Lewis (2007)

> Two Oxford detectives untangle murders tied to the city's scholarly elite in this 90-minute British mystery series.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/2224

## Facts

- Seasons: 9
- Episodes: 41
- Episode runtime: 90 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: crime, drama, mystery
- Created by: Colin Dexter
- Network: ITV1
- Cast: Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox, Clare Holman, Rebecca Front, Alex Macqueen, David Hayman, Maureen Beattie, Ophelia Lovibond
- TMDB rating: 8.2/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0874608/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: moderate
- Tone: cerebral, wry, cozy, measured, atmospheric

## What critics say

Viewers broadly rate Lewis as a well-crafted, acclaimed detective drama, with its Oxford setting and the lead pair's chemistry drawing the most praise.

## Synopsis

Lewis (2007-2015) is a British television crime mystery series created by Colin Dexter for ITV1. Set in present-day Oxford, the series follows Inspector Robert 'Robbie' Lewis (Kevin Whately) and his junior partner Sergeant James Hathaway (Laurence Fox) as they investigate murders that the city's learned residents bring to their door. Their engine is the puzzle itself: each feature-length episode, running about ninety minutes, sets a closed circle of suspects drawn from colleges, laboratories and senior common rooms, and the detectives must separate rivalry, ambition and secrecy from genuine guilt. Forensic pathologist Dr. Laura Hobson (Clare Holman) and Chief Superintendent Jean Innocent (Rebecca Front) add scientific and institutional pressure. The series runs for nine seasons with a steady stream of standalone cases, giving it a case-of-the-week shape. The tone is measured and cozy, with a wry eye for academic vanity and a warm bond between its two leads. Fans of Inspector Morse, Endeavour and Midsomer Murders will find resonance in its British period-flavored atmosphere and cerebral, character-driven puzzles.

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