Having been a fan of this series throughout its run, the finish was a disappointment. But not one without tears. However, what it begs is the potential for a Bacchus & Coles 'next generation' series akin to Inspector Lewis on the heels of Inspector Morse. Lee Ingleby and Lisa McGrillis have a solid chemistry, one that is refreshingly free of the archetypal sexual tension between male and female leads in a cop drama.
16 Reviews
A final case for Gently
Tweekums7 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
After helping convict a group of corrupt police officers Chief Inspector Gently is approached to look into an unsolved case involving a girl who was murdered four years previously in County Durham. Meanwhile Inspector Bacchus and Sergeant Coles are investigating the death of a worker who was stabbed to death while crossing a picket line
inevitably it start to looks as if the two cases could be linked somehow as an up and coming MP, who is seen as a possible leader of the Labour Party, was nearby when each murder occurred. The deeper the investigation goes the more it appears that the MP is connected
he had slept with the girl and been contacted by the worker, who it turned out was an undercover journalist. The question is whether he is also a killer or if Gently is being played by powers determined to see the MP discredited.
After an impressive run this enjoyable series finally comes to a close a very definite close unless the BBC decide to make a spin off. The story was intriguing with its two possibly interlinked cases. As the story progresses there are interesting revelations which cause suspicions to shift. The final resolution to the case of the murdered girl was solid with a plausibly banal motivation but the case of the journalist was a bit more far-fetched with motives that stretch from Washington, County Durham to Washington DC this wasn't enough to spoil the story and did provide a good excuse to feature some very menacing characters. The cast is on good form; Martin Shaw impresses as Gently; Lee Ingleby is solid as Bacchus, a character who has developed nicely over the course of the series and Lisa McGrillis is also fine as Cole. The guest stars are also solid, most notably Richard Harrington, who I last saw speaking Welsh in 'Hinterland', who plays MP Michael Clements. All the drama leads to a tragic and somewhat shocking conclusion which seemed to have been inspired by 'Get Carter'. Overall this was a good send off for this fine series.
After an impressive run this enjoyable series finally comes to a close a very definite close unless the BBC decide to make a spin off. The story was intriguing with its two possibly interlinked cases. As the story progresses there are interesting revelations which cause suspicions to shift. The final resolution to the case of the murdered girl was solid with a plausibly banal motivation but the case of the journalist was a bit more far-fetched with motives that stretch from Washington, County Durham to Washington DC this wasn't enough to spoil the story and did provide a good excuse to feature some very menacing characters. The cast is on good form; Martin Shaw impresses as Gently; Lee Ingleby is solid as Bacchus, a character who has developed nicely over the course of the series and Lisa McGrillis is also fine as Cole. The guest stars are also solid, most notably Richard Harrington, who I last saw speaking Welsh in 'Hinterland', who plays MP Michael Clements. All the drama leads to a tragic and somewhat shocking conclusion which seemed to have been inspired by 'Get Carter'. Overall this was a good send off for this fine series.
Gently's last case
TheLittleSongbird5 June 2018
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 hit a high point with "Gently with the Innocents", but what should have been the best 'Inspector George Gently' episode, being the final one, sadly was the weakest to me. There is a lot here however that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it shows that it is not at all hard to see why the show appeals to many.
"Gently and the New Age" shows 'Inspector George Gently' still delivering on a consistent level, but at the same time for a series finale it didn't feel completely satisfying. It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of other episodes that tackled daring themes, yet there is the tension and tautness are there. Like Rachel a good deal and her chemistry with Bacchus adds hugely to the episode.
Would have loved much more of Gently and Bacchus together though, for such a fascinating duo and one of the biggest driving forces of the show there wasn't enough of it.
Some things disappointingly don't add up in plausibility, including a big revelation concerning a major character that is brought up too suddenly and not developed enough. While very sad, the ending lacks the shock factor which would have been there if it wasn't so derivative and not as foreseeable.
Furthermore, "Gently and the New Age", 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 definitely shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing has 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 is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. "Gently and the New Age", 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.
Acting is very good as usual, with Martin Shaw, Lee Ingleby and Lisa McGrillis being brilliant.
In summary, very good but was expecting more. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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 hit a high point with "Gently with the Innocents", but what should have been the best 'Inspector George Gently' episode, being the final one, sadly was the weakest to me. There is a lot here however that is particularly good about 'Inspector George Gently' and it shows that it is not at all hard to see why the show appeals to many.
"Gently and the New Age" shows 'Inspector George Gently' still delivering on a consistent level, but at the same time for a series finale it didn't feel completely satisfying. It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of other episodes that tackled daring themes, yet there is the tension and tautness are there. Like Rachel a good deal and her chemistry with Bacchus adds hugely to the episode.
Would have loved much more of Gently and Bacchus together though, for such a fascinating duo and one of the biggest driving forces of the show there wasn't enough of it.
Some things disappointingly don't add up in plausibility, including a big revelation concerning a major character that is brought up too suddenly and not developed enough. While very sad, the ending lacks the shock factor which would have been there if it wasn't so derivative and not as foreseeable.
Furthermore, "Gently and the New Age", 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 definitely shows loud and clear. The music is stirring and haunting, dynamic with what's going on and never intrusive.
The writing has 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 is easy to follow and absorbing with a good deal of suspense. "Gently and the New Age", 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.
Acting is very good as usual, with Martin Shaw, Lee Ingleby and Lisa McGrillis being brilliant.
In summary, very good but was expecting more. 8/10 Bethany Cox
One more episode, please?!?
myrnakrohn14 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A fitting end although a very sad one for Gently and all who love this series. I sincerely hope there is one more episode wherein Bacchus and Rachel hunt down Gently's killer. With the political and MI5 connections he would probably have to drive off a cliff or in front of a speeding train. But I would like to see Bacchus corner him and gun him down, then walk away. But that's just me. Thank you for a great series.
An excellent, exciting finale.
Sleepin_Dragon1 January 2021
I can't really agree with some of the other reviews for this episode, I thought it was absolutely brilliant, I loved it from start to finish, exciting, dramatic, explosive, and managed to draw a tear from the eye.
The show seemed to follow a similar pattern to Foyle's War, crime and detection, before moving on to crimes of a larger scale.
It was always going to be interesting to see the relationship between Gently and Bacchus, after the events in the previous episode, I was surprised they didn't make more of it.
Richard Harrington was superb, loved his scenes with Martin Shaw, but let's not be in any doubt, this was all about Gently, Shaw was at his best.
The crime itself was fascinating, the characters were big, and George's story was captivating, I thought the ending was superbly done, I teared up.
A shame it ended here, it never dipped in quality. I felt it could have run a little longer. 9/10.
The show seemed to follow a similar pattern to Foyle's War, crime and detection, before moving on to crimes of a larger scale.
It was always going to be interesting to see the relationship between Gently and Bacchus, after the events in the previous episode, I was surprised they didn't make more of it.
Richard Harrington was superb, loved his scenes with Martin Shaw, but let's not be in any doubt, this was all about Gently, Shaw was at his best.
The crime itself was fascinating, the characters were big, and George's story was captivating, I thought the ending was superbly done, I teared up.
A shame it ended here, it never dipped in quality. I felt it could have run a little longer. 9/10.
Unanswered questions
Sulla-27 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this series. Martin Shaw was wonderful in this. Far better than the pompous hypocrit knows as Judge Deed.
In this final episode the acting was fine as usual but some of plot was confusing.
After killing the undercover reporter, why wasn't his adress searched immediately.
Why was Gently's wife killed ?
Instead of messing about, why didn't TPTB just kill the troublesome MP
In this final episode the acting was fine as usual but some of plot was confusing.
After killing the undercover reporter, why wasn't his adress searched immediately.
Why was Gently's wife killed ?
Instead of messing about, why didn't TPTB just kill the troublesome MP
Disappointing but Nevertheless Poetic Finish
Warin_West-El4 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
One overused crime drama trope is the detective that continually mourns the loss of his wife. That paradigm killed the series "Grace." In this episode the filmmakers use it as a means to tie the plot together. Gently, a normally rational man, goes to pieces and foolishly confronts his wife's killer unarmed and without back up.
One thing that was never fully answered is why Gently's wife was killed in the first place.
During this episode John Bacchus demonstrates a newfound maturity when he stops questioning Mr Donnelly and walks away, taking Rachel with him. Refreshing if not a bit too late.
This two-pronged plot was pretty good. There are plenty of red-herrings before we discover Leslie's real killer. Several plot twists before we uncover why Mark Hogg was killed. And the dynamic underneath that.
I agree with some the reviewers who raised the point: why didn't the controllers behind the scenes just kill Michael Clements? The speculative answer is they knew Gently would never quit. Whereas, they knew eventually they would find a way to compromise Clements.
I disagree with those who had hoped Gently would die from MS. Far better for him to go out with a bang, albeit a painful one. From a practical standpoint, Gently was killed to signal this was TRULY the end of the series and not just another cliffhanger.
It was a disappointing but nevertheless poetic finish.
One thing that was never fully answered is why Gently's wife was killed in the first place.
During this episode John Bacchus demonstrates a newfound maturity when he stops questioning Mr Donnelly and walks away, taking Rachel with him. Refreshing if not a bit too late.
This two-pronged plot was pretty good. There are plenty of red-herrings before we discover Leslie's real killer. Several plot twists before we uncover why Mark Hogg was killed. And the dynamic underneath that.
I agree with some the reviewers who raised the point: why didn't the controllers behind the scenes just kill Michael Clements? The speculative answer is they knew Gently would never quit. Whereas, they knew eventually they would find a way to compromise Clements.
I disagree with those who had hoped Gently would die from MS. Far better for him to go out with a bang, albeit a painful one. From a practical standpoint, Gently was killed to signal this was TRULY the end of the series and not just another cliffhanger.
It was a disappointing but nevertheless poetic finish.
Gently and the New Age
Prismark1012 November 2017
We have reached the end of the line with George Gently. Approaching retirement, Gently is approached by the head of the anti corruption unit to examine an unsolved case of a young woman who was murdered four years earlier in County Durham.
Up and coming local Labour MP, Michael Clements is somehow being put in the frame for the murder as he knew the dead woman and he is also causing waves with his third way rhetoric. Even the establishment seems to be wary of him and Gently becomes aware of this as one of the security services henchman might had been involved in the death of his own wife.
Bacchus and his new assistant Rachel Coles investigate the killing of a scab worker crossing a picket line. What might be a death caused by a violent striker turns out to be more sinister again with government agents being involved.
A striking look at 1970s industrial relations and the sinister side of the security services, the type which tried to nobble Prime Minister Harold Wilson a few years later.
It might not be a satisfactory ending but I think there was little else where Gently could go. At least we also get to see a more mature Bacchus who finally has some of Gently's wisdom rub off on him.
Up and coming local Labour MP, Michael Clements is somehow being put in the frame for the murder as he knew the dead woman and he is also causing waves with his third way rhetoric. Even the establishment seems to be wary of him and Gently becomes aware of this as one of the security services henchman might had been involved in the death of his own wife.
Bacchus and his new assistant Rachel Coles investigate the killing of a scab worker crossing a picket line. What might be a death caused by a violent striker turns out to be more sinister again with government agents being involved.
A striking look at 1970s industrial relations and the sinister side of the security services, the type which tried to nobble Prime Minister Harold Wilson a few years later.
It might not be a satisfactory ending but I think there was little else where Gently could go. At least we also get to see a more mature Bacchus who finally has some of Gently's wisdom rub off on him.
Gently deserved a much better send-off
david-dk-223-52180130 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Illogical and unnecessarely painful,, that sums up the last episode of Gently. Quite disappointing after such a great run.
First, the Gently character who always was a solid figure, goes emotionally to pieces and commits stupid actions, such as confronting the probable killer of his wife single-handed and unarmed, that do not befit the Gently that we have come to know through time, even in emotional moments.
Second, the killing of Gently makes no sense, as Gently had already divulged what he had learned about corruption high up to MP Michael Davis, a more likely figure to be listened to by wide audiences than Gently himself. So why was the MP not the one being targeted ?
It all seemed to me too contrived and hasty. And it did hurt my feelings to see a character I had come to admire, be degraded go out this way.
George Gently and Martin Shaw deserved better. Why not another win followed by retirement with honors ?!
First, the Gently character who always was a solid figure, goes emotionally to pieces and commits stupid actions, such as confronting the probable killer of his wife single-handed and unarmed, that do not befit the Gently that we have come to know through time, even in emotional moments.
Second, the killing of Gently makes no sense, as Gently had already divulged what he had learned about corruption high up to MP Michael Davis, a more likely figure to be listened to by wide audiences than Gently himself. So why was the MP not the one being targeted ?
It all seemed to me too contrived and hasty. And it did hurt my feelings to see a character I had come to admire, be degraded go out this way.
George Gently and Martin Shaw deserved better. Why not another win followed by retirement with honors ?!
A tad disappointing.
jdhb-768-6123426 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Inspector George Gently has been a well made and evocative series. It's brought the atmosphere of the 1960s back to life and the contrast between Gently's changing attitudes and those of his right hand man, John Bacchus, have been well handled.
However, in this last episode much of the previous interplay between Gently and Bacchus 1s sadly missing, indeed, our 2 heroes seem to spend most of the time apart. One has to wonder if this is the precursor to a follow up with Bacchus in charge and aided by Rachel Coles, as this seems to be the new 'team'.
While the story line is a decent one and continues the overall theme of Gently being a pursuer of police corruption, it does become a bit extreme and almost a parody of left wing paranoia. Gently suddenly discovering that his wife's murder was arranged by senior authority figures for pseudo-political reasons doesn't make much sense and the denouement is ultimately no surprise; in fact, it's straight out of 'Get Carter'.
In truth, I doubt that getting rid of a senior police officer would have had the effect desired by those who arranged it; surely, it would have lead to an intensive investigation, even in 1970. Discrediting him would have been far more realistic though, perhaps, not as dramatic.
Let's hope that there is at least another episode in which Bacchus and Coles hunt down the killer. For this episode, I think 7/10 is the best I can give it.
However, in this last episode much of the previous interplay between Gently and Bacchus 1s sadly missing, indeed, our 2 heroes seem to spend most of the time apart. One has to wonder if this is the precursor to a follow up with Bacchus in charge and aided by Rachel Coles, as this seems to be the new 'team'.
While the story line is a decent one and continues the overall theme of Gently being a pursuer of police corruption, it does become a bit extreme and almost a parody of left wing paranoia. Gently suddenly discovering that his wife's murder was arranged by senior authority figures for pseudo-political reasons doesn't make much sense and the denouement is ultimately no surprise; in fact, it's straight out of 'Get Carter'.
In truth, I doubt that getting rid of a senior police officer would have had the effect desired by those who arranged it; surely, it would have lead to an intensive investigation, even in 1970. Discrediting him would have been far more realistic though, perhaps, not as dramatic.
Let's hope that there is at least another episode in which Bacchus and Coles hunt down the killer. For this episode, I think 7/10 is the best I can give it.
Not Entirely Satisfying Conclusion to a Great Series (Spoiler Alert)
Thovarf11 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
We watched and enjoyed the entire Inspector George Gently series in order over several years and were looking forward to the finale. Martin Shaw was great, as usual, and Lee Ingleby, as John Bacchus finally seemed to have grown up under Gently's tutelage. It certainly took long enough. Lisa McGrillis, as Rachel Coles, was an excellent addition to the cast in the later seasons and her character development was one of the highlights.
This final episode had some flaws, which detracted from the overall effect. The resolution of the murder of the young girl was believable. I had problems with the other main story line, which depended on assuming collusion between the evil US, evil businessmen and some horrible Tories. In other words, all the usual suspects. Lazy screen writers with a predictable bias. Since Britain had a Labor government from October 1964 to June 1970, the bad guys were certainly quick to assemble their nefarious and bloody scheme in 1970, having gone to ground after killing Gently's wife in '64, with no purge of the evil by Labor in the intervening years. The time line also means that the Labor MP at the center of the investigations in this episode was sacked from a Defense Ministry post by a Labor government. The Brits weren't doing coalitions in the 60s and 70s.
One of the late seasons ended with Gently receiving news that he had a terminal illness. That plot line seems to have been dropped but might have provided a better ending than having him done in by massive corruption. As it is, the bad guys seem to be winning and can anyone believe that Bacchus and Rachel could avoid Gently's fate if they challenge the beast? Something less grim would have been better.
This final episode had some flaws, which detracted from the overall effect. The resolution of the murder of the young girl was believable. I had problems with the other main story line, which depended on assuming collusion between the evil US, evil businessmen and some horrible Tories. In other words, all the usual suspects. Lazy screen writers with a predictable bias. Since Britain had a Labor government from October 1964 to June 1970, the bad guys were certainly quick to assemble their nefarious and bloody scheme in 1970, having gone to ground after killing Gently's wife in '64, with no purge of the evil by Labor in the intervening years. The time line also means that the Labor MP at the center of the investigations in this episode was sacked from a Defense Ministry post by a Labor government. The Brits weren't doing coalitions in the 60s and 70s.
One of the late seasons ended with Gently receiving news that he had a terminal illness. That plot line seems to have been dropped but might have provided a better ending than having him done in by massive corruption. As it is, the bad guys seem to be winning and can anyone believe that Bacchus and Rachel could avoid Gently's fate if they challenge the beast? Something less grim would have been better.
Disappointing, though interesting enough, ending to the series
grantss23 August 2022
Not a high note to end the series, as this is the worst episode in the show. A rather idealistic, politically-charged episode with Gently made out to be some sort of saintly martyr, tilting at overwhelming odds in the interests of what he believes is right.
The mystery is interesting enough though and at last Bacchus's character has learnt from Gently and is starting to show signs of being more tactful and tolerant. It's only taken 6 years, 8 seasons and 25 episodes.
The mystery is interesting enough though and at last Bacchus's character has learnt from Gently and is starting to show signs of being more tactful and tolerant. It's only taken 6 years, 8 seasons and 25 episodes.
Worst end of series episode ever
misaac-254087 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I am late to the series. I really liked it but it should have stopped at the end of S7. This episode redefines "jumped the shark." Plot holes galore, lost arcs: what happened to Gently's MS? He's suddenly speaking to John again? How do you just go to London and report on (as mentioned, with no physical evidence) indict, and get a trial for several high ranking MET officers in half a year? What happened to the impassioned taunting of Gently by the thug who the writers seriously led us to believe was Isabella's killer in the far superior previous cliffhanger. Spies. Ugly Americans. Evil Tories. At least they didn't have Margaret Thatcher turn out to have killed his wife. As other people here have noted, all this sadly turns the entire series from a great detective drama to something like a seven year long reflection of Get Carter. I think I like Pan Ewing's "it was all a dream" year better than this.
And The Point Was?
AJ_Blanc19 February 2023
I've been a fan of this series since the beginning, even read several of the books, but I had only recently caught the final episode because shows like this tend to not have a satisfying ending. Oh glorious ignorance, how I wish I could still claim thee in this instance. While not a terrible episode, it definitely didn't live up to pretty much any others from the rest of the show.
After almost a decade, Gently is suddenly struck with grief over the loss of his wife. It's no surprise that he misses her, but it seemed completely out of character for him (or most adults for that matter) to become a blubbering mess about it after so long. Then there's the plot... and I use the term loosely. There are more Gently books by Alan Hunter than episodes made, and they went with a hackneyed government conspiracy story to end this series? Since they seemed forget he has MS, why not tailor a story where he relies on Bacchus and Coles to solve the case because he becomes symptomatic? That may be too difficult for these discount writers, but why wouldn't the 'antagonists' simply go after the MP who's causing them grief directly instead of using Gently to discredit him? Governments make deals with other governments all the time, so it's not something people need to get murdered over, making this story even more contrived so they could have their beloved dramatic... and unresolved, ending.
As I said earlier however, this isn't a terrible episode. The cinematography was excellent. I liked the score, even though it gave me a Tron: Legacy vibe. Bacchus and Coles were working well together finally, and there was a very touching scene with the three of them in the woods where Gently asks John about his 'going away do.' Overall though, I think Gently, and everyone else involved, deserved better. That's not to mean it should've been a happy ending mind you; there's nothing wrong with killing your title character off if done right (Morse fits that bill I think), this just wasn't it. With only two episodes this season/series, they may as well just not bothered and left us with 7 good years.
After almost a decade, Gently is suddenly struck with grief over the loss of his wife. It's no surprise that he misses her, but it seemed completely out of character for him (or most adults for that matter) to become a blubbering mess about it after so long. Then there's the plot... and I use the term loosely. There are more Gently books by Alan Hunter than episodes made, and they went with a hackneyed government conspiracy story to end this series? Since they seemed forget he has MS, why not tailor a story where he relies on Bacchus and Coles to solve the case because he becomes symptomatic? That may be too difficult for these discount writers, but why wouldn't the 'antagonists' simply go after the MP who's causing them grief directly instead of using Gently to discredit him? Governments make deals with other governments all the time, so it's not something people need to get murdered over, making this story even more contrived so they could have their beloved dramatic... and unresolved, ending.
As I said earlier however, this isn't a terrible episode. The cinematography was excellent. I liked the score, even though it gave me a Tron: Legacy vibe. Bacchus and Coles were working well together finally, and there was a very touching scene with the three of them in the woods where Gently asks John about his 'going away do.' Overall though, I think Gently, and everyone else involved, deserved better. That's not to mean it should've been a happy ending mind you; there's nothing wrong with killing your title character off if done right (Morse fits that bill I think), this just wasn't it. With only two episodes this season/series, they may as well just not bothered and left us with 7 good years.
A poor end to a phenomenal series
jeffrey-7669524 July 2023
I have loved this series. Love it's characters, stories, setting in both time and location.
That is why this last episode was so disappointing. In fairness, a finale to any series is tricky, especially a great series like this one was.
However, this episode strayed far afield from the rest of the series to the point it was unrecognizable.
Finally, if you watch entertainment in the UK long enough, you understand who it is that controls the narrative. This means you already know who will be portrayed as the villains in any movie, show, series, commercial, etc. It is sooo boringly threadbare, predictable, and over the top, it has become cringeworthy.
If you know what I am talking about, no explanation is necessary. If you don't know by now, no explanation is possible.
This unfortunate, clichéd storyline took away from the lifeblood of the series & seemed a hodgepodge of an ending to a truly great series.
That is why this last episode was so disappointing. In fairness, a finale to any series is tricky, especially a great series like this one was.
However, this episode strayed far afield from the rest of the series to the point it was unrecognizable.
Finally, if you watch entertainment in the UK long enough, you understand who it is that controls the narrative. This means you already know who will be portrayed as the villains in any movie, show, series, commercial, etc. It is sooo boringly threadbare, predictable, and over the top, it has become cringeworthy.
If you know what I am talking about, no explanation is necessary. If you don't know by now, no explanation is possible.
This unfortunate, clichéd storyline took away from the lifeblood of the series & seemed a hodgepodge of an ending to a truly great series.
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