Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Cast: Martin Shaw, Lee Ingleby, Lisa McGrillis, William Ash, Jemma Redgrave, Oliver Milburn, Oliver Johnstone, Pip Torrens, Daniel Lapaine, Stephen Hamilton, Ford Kiernan, Olwen May, Bradley Gardner, Simon Hubbard, Celyn Jones.

Gently With Honour placed a very big size nine boot against the world of the British Army in the deeply suspicious days of the 1960s and upturned the kind of scandal that still sticks in the throat of all who may have served in the forces during that time but also would have caused a stink so high if the British public had found out what was being done to combat the issue of Communism.

With the Second World War still fresh in the memory of all in 1969, especially Chief Inspector George Gently, demons were still managing to find a way to get in the way of the living, of adding to the paranoia and distrust that infected every part of life. George Gently seems troubled by the past as he pays his respects at a funeral for an old comrade and when a man is found beaten to death in a Turkish steam bath, a noted meeting place for the homosexual community, as far as John Bacchus is concerned it is an open and shut case.

However the ugly head of military dogma, the ruthlessness in which they tested recruits, especially with the aid of L.S.D., is enough to suggest a play more foul play is hand to George Gently.

Gently With Honour saw more of the pleasing acting ability that Martin Shaw brings to the fore. Whereas the previous episodes have really fixed upon the emotions that Lee Ingleby’s Sergeant Bacchus has been facing, recovering from being shot inside Durham Cathedral and facing up to being a part of his daughter’s life, this was really Martin Shaw at his very best. There surely should be no doubt that Martin Shaw, already one of Britain’s consummate television actors of the last 40 years just improves with each character he plays. His portrayal of George Gently is akin to that of John Thaw as Inspector Morse. A man who cannot be bought and on the rare occasions that he gets it wrong, will hold his hand up and accept the responsibility. His performances are that convincing, it is almost as if there is a blurred line covering both actor and part, a real testament to the man’s capacity as an actor.

With Jemma Redgrave making a valuable addition to the story as the scientist who instigated the process of testing the subjects at her disposal and Lee Ingleby giving yet another sterling performance as the bite to Gently’s growl, the Inspector George Gently television legacy continues to be one of high standards.

Ian D. Hall