Lynley

I read the books years ago, so don't know if they'd seem dated now, but I wasn't keen on the original series'. They were ok for a rainy Sunday afternoon, but too slow and formulaic.

I was willing to give the new one a go, but thought it was worse. I am not a fan of 'cosy' murder - to me it just seems wrong, somehow - but I don't think it was that, so much as it just wasn't gripping. My mind kept wandering. Maybe the books just don't translate well to the screen?

Really good and we can remember the old one. We both thought it very good.

But Sharon Small was far too good looking to play Barbara Havers.

I much preferred the older version, the new Linley doesn’t fit my idea of upper crust. Havers seems OK, but of course Sharon Small was just perfection in the role.
I read recently that the old series was ended abruptly and that the actors always hoped it would be continued.

Wrong on every level.
So much new material to use , why re make what was a good series.

To slow? It's just right. But if DH likes the clash bang wallop and gore.....

Yes the accepting its different from the book. It depends how much you love the book I think, as generally I don't mind, but the Detective Gamache series by Louise Penny - excellent, thoughtful - from Canada, 'Three Pines" was wrecked and I gave up.

I have not watched it yet but opinion seems divided. I loved the original series with Nathaniel and Sharon.

I'm always looking for a good drama series without violence, gore, swearing etc. but there are far too many detective duos with a male/female odd couple. And the re-hashing of the same characters is just as bad. So I'm not into it I'm afraid. I'm looking for original drama which is character-driven rather than people solving endless murders.

I think we also have to accept that there is rarely any link to the original version of anything these days. Even Dickens has been torn up and re-written (Great Expectations BBC 2023). You have to accept what you see on the screen which is difficult if you've read the book.

I loved it because I have been treated to an everlasting orgy of spies, terrorists and Special services ops including shooting, knifing, garroting and throat cutting. I enjoy the drams but I suddenly felt very nauseas in the second episode of the Night Manager so Lynley was a pleasant evenings viewing. DH hated it - too slow he said.

I agree that the actor cast as Barbara Havers is completely wrong . She bears no resemblance to the character in the book.

Love it to bits. I'm not worried about what came before, or the books I've watched two - the second one was the better of the two, good plots, liked the characterisation, yes eye candy.

Yes, it's a bit "popularised" but great light viewing imo.

Lead character doesn’t close his mouth, I’ve noticed one of the Shetland leads does this, mouth breathers…havers doesn’t seem to relax - too stiff and wooden actors. The storylines are good though.

It was ok but not a patch on the original.

I gave up on it. It was boring and I didn't care about any of the characters. I much preferred the original casting. Barbara Havers then was much more convincing.

It seemed to me to be an imitation of Endeavour which I found wonderful so I didn’t bother to watch it.

I remember reading ‘ What came before he shot her , ‘ a really disturbing book.

I quite like it and hope they make a second series. Although I wonder whether his fantastic house will be underwater soon given the erosion on that coast .....

However I also very much liked the Nathaniel Parker/Sharon Small series

Interestingly I haven't liked either portrayals of (Lady) Helen Clyde

I think that they trying to make it more accessible and believable to modern audiences just as the early 2000s series changed a lot from the books to make it less aristocratic. While they kept Thomas Lynley, as 8th Earl of Asherton, they toned down his aristocratic friends running forensics.

The actors in the original series were a better “fit”. I don’t like the Daniel Mays character in the sub plot either, but I’ll stick with it, if only because the real star of the show for me is the gorgeous car!

Debbi58

He's a bit gorgeous though isn't he , I'll definitely be watching

Absolutely! Couldn't take my eyes off him.

It is even more confusing as one of the channels is currently showing episodes from the original Inspector Lynley Mysteries.

It was watchable, but I didn't like the new Havers, totally different.

I just enjoyed it.

He's a bit gorgeous though isn't he , I'll definitely be watching

The new Lynley is ok but just doesn't have the presence required for the part; Nathaniel Parker was so good, perhaps no-one could compare.

It was fairly enjoyable but nowhere near as good as the original.

I have just binge watched it and did enjoy it. I had totally forgotten the Nathaniel Parker one, until I read this discussion. I simply watched the programe at face value and thought it rather good.