Without doubt, this is the greatest modern murder mystery franchise, and the series so many have tried, and failed, to emulate since. Watch Inspector Morse Season 8 Episode 1 - The Way Through The Woods. But throughout, we learn more and more about the mysterious, emotionally repressed and rather sad Inspector. Later, as they ran out of Dexter's stories, they began writing stories to keep the popular series going. The early episodes are certainly my favourites, as they were adapting the existing stories. Hathaway has been promoted to inspector after an extended break, and Lewis is enjoying retired life until he's asked to team up with his old colleague again. The world of no-rules boxing and Cold War intrigue surround the death of a prominent Oxford figure. I really cannot find enough words to explain just how good I think Thaw was in so many of his television and film roles, but Morse was the character in which he proved to television viewers that he was not only versatile but had a rare depth. Faced with stolen rare books and two murders, Lewis and Hathaway connect the crimes to a gambling support group and two painters. The series oozed class from every pore, and will always be the greatest jewel in the magnificent career of the late John Thaw. Until it finished in 2000, Inspector Morse captivated large audiences, intrigued by its complex plots, the towering performance of John Thaw and its amazing roll call of quality guest actors. Inspector Morse was perfect - the beautiful scenery of Oxford, the classic red Jaguar, the classical music and a superb, and at times moving, central performance by the man his co-star Kevin Whately would later describe, after his untimely death in 2002, as Britain's finest screen actor. In January 1987, the first television episode of Colin Dexter's intelligent series of novels was broadcast. I think most people would agree, whether British or not, that Inspector Morse represents everything that is good about British television.