User Reviews

I'm fairly new to George Gently, foolishly I never quite fancied the show, I enjoyed the opening group of episodes, but after this one I have completely revised my opinion. A truly heartbreaking story, shocking, powerful, and a real eye opener, it's a cliche I know, but the Sixties were a different time completely.

The story, though tough to watch is expertly told, the acting is utterly fantastic, the regulars are great, but the guest performers are terrific, Mark Stobbart I thought stood out in particular as Sergeant Blacksmith, the transformation in his character was remarkable, he was phenomenal.

It's taken a long time for me to watch this third one having seen Bomber's Moon some time back, the wait for Gently in the Night will be a short one.

Compelling viewing, 10/10

This is the episode that made me realise why the series is set in the 1960s. Before now I just figured it was out of novelty value, and maybe for a bit of nostalgia. This episode showed it was to examine events and moral themes that weren't so obvious in the 1960s with the hindsight of history.

Living in the 2020s we're used to hearing horror stories of child abuse, especially institutionalised abuse, to the point that, while horrific, is not really news anymore. However, this would have been largely unreported in the 1960s. This episode shows the impact that such a discovery would have had in the 1960s.

Throw in a great murder mystery, a very emotional and raw aspect to proceedings and this is an excellent episode.

As a huge fan of detective/crime/mystery series, there is the admission that it took me a while to start watching 'Inspector George Gently', worrying as to whether it would appeal to me for "can't put my finger on it" reasons other than being young at the time and not being as knowledgeable of the period. Getting into the show eight years ago and continuing to watch it without fail, it turned out to be simply wonderful and actually became a favourite.

After a very solid, if still settling, start in "Gently Go Man", it felt like 'Inspector George Gently' started to hit its stride with "The Burning Man" and that continued with "Bomber's Moon". The show hits a high point here with "Gently with the Innocents". There is a lot here already that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it definitely makes one want to carry on watching.

"Gently with the Innocents" is one of my favourite episodes from 'Inspector George Gently'. It is indicative that the show has found its feet and hit its stride and, while all the previous three episodes were very good to great, up to this point of the show it's the best. Namely because of it containing one of the show's most harrowing, saddest and most poignant stories, that me appropriately emotional and angry.

However, "Gently with the Innocents", like the rest of the show, looks great, often beautiful. It is strikingly filmed and the scenery and period detail are atmospheric, handsome and evocative, a lot of work and care went into re-creating the period and it shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.

The writing already shows a lot of thought-provoking intelligence and balances subtle humour and drama very well and executing both individually just as well. The direction is alert and accommodating and the story, despite having an air of familiarity at times and not as rich as other stories for other episodes, is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. "Gently with the Innocents", and 'Inspector Gently' in general, is very interesting for how British law was like in the 60s and how much it's changed and come on compared to now.

Love the chemistry between Gently and Bacchus, one of the most interesting and well-contrasted detective/crime/mystery drama pairings (perhaps the most interesting since Morse and Lewis). The two couldn't have more different personalities and how they gel and clash entertains and intrigues. Both are fascinating characters already, and became even more fascinating as the show progressed.

Can't fault the acting, the continually brilliant performances from Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby here and throughout the show are career highs for both actors. All the support is good.

All in all, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox

This is the story of a Alfred Peachment who was killed in his back yard. He was selling his home for re-development to a buyer. His body is found in his back yard and a gardener boy that does not speak is arrested. The boy is very violent so there is almost no doubt he did it.

A policeman that works in the area seems very knowledgeable about the house and said it was a school. It turns out it was an orphanage where kids were sexually abused by Alfred Peachment and also by people involved with him on boards and in the community. Mrs Peachment ignored what went on, a doctor connected with the house took care of the kids for 10 years and never reported anything wrong but he knew of abuse of broken bones and sexual abuse. A number of people connected with the house wanted it thrown down to protect their own involvement. George Gently finds medical records hidden in a blocked cellar wall.

This episode is sad but gives insight on what abused children go through. It tells how the survivors are haunted with memories and fear. It tells of how they were fooled and trusted adults and where told not to tell anyone and that the sexual abuse is love. Kids that are not living with families that love them are easier targets.

It tells how kids were singled out and held underwater in a bathtub in the secret cellar. No one would talk, it created a lot of fear. Only a few were adopted out.

They victims also do not want to tell the people their past horrors. They did not want to go to Court to testify. The people that hurt them are dead and they just want to go on with their lives.

Gently has to come to terms with what justice is for the victims and for the dead man, Alfred Peachment.

Parents should talk to their kids, this happens in schools, camps and other organizations with people you trust.

You can watch it on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Iq3cwEEW4

I've always liked Gently but the whole program is hypocritical George's main resentment is bent coppers on the met,yet he is forever breaking into houses cupboards with no warrants .His sidekick Bachuss is a bully beats prisoners up with no solicitor there .I've not noticed this before .the program is dated and there are also many mistakes in various episodes .