A Suitable Vengeance, Inspector Lynley Mysteries

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Director: Edward Bennett,
Writers: Elizabeth George (novel), Valerie Windsor (screenplay)
Staring Nathaniel Parker & Sharon Small and a cast of dozens
March 2003, BBC & PBS Masterpiece Theater

Jolly good mystery. Not your average detective story the way most Inspector Lynley cases are. This was one of those old-fashioned mysteries where the family and guests are all assembled in a gigantic old estate. When a crime or two happens, Inspector Lynley is drawn into helping local law-enforcement solve the case even if he suspects the perpetrator might be one of his own family.

The story begins with preparations for the dinner party for the Inspector, who happens to be known as Tommy, and his fiance Helen. The type of dinner party and mystery that happens around a 10-foot long table complete with candelabras, three forks and tuxedos, reminiscent of parties in the 1930's.

As the characters are introduced, we begin to see the relationships between them and more and more of their personal lives. Gradually we begin to see all -- the secrets, problems, resentments and unhappiness.

There are so many characters and story lines that one must pay close attention to follow the story and pick up on all the clues. And use closed captions or rewind button if you have trouble deciphering the Queen's English.

Now. You must remember the "rules" for screenplays. One, if it's a good script, there is nothing in the movie that does not relate to the plot and advance the story. In a true mystery there are clues as well as "false" clues (red-herrings.) But as a matter of fact, there are not many red-herrings in this movie. Everything has importance. Even though I doubt you'll figure out this mystery easily.

Two, in a good screenplay all the characters are shown or at least mentioned at the beginning of the movie (this also applies to well written novels.) This way no characters are brought in at the end to explain the solution. It's very frustrating when an author does that. It cheats the reader/viewer.

Three, cutting to another scene can indicate more happening than we are privilege to.

I particularly like the fact that British movies don't spoon feed us the way American movies do. By not handing us clues and explanations, they expect the viewers to understand the story for themselves. The cinematography is excellent, too, providing a good deal of the clues. Expressions and tones of voice are well done. Plus it was not overwhelmed with music in an attempt to manipulate our feelings.

Matthew Goode, again, was good, as was everyone else. As Inspector Lynley's younger brother, he plays a perfect combination of resentment and innocence. (Not to mention being the most handsome man in the movie with that black hair, big blue eyes and full lips. I could see his character Declan in Leap Year, more in this movie than in his other movies, especially the frowns and his delightful deep voice.)

It's an hour and a half long, but remember it's a made-for-TV movie. British television drama is often better than the average American drama on big or little screen.

This movie is excellent. You can rent or buy it along with other Inspector Lynley movies. This one was from Season 2. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.