A recent widower and acclaimed poet, enigmatic Inspector Adam Dalgliesh employs his exceptional empathy and insight to plumb the darker depths of the human psyche while investigating complex crimes in 1970s England.
Where to Watch
Streaming, rent and purchase options
Episodes
1. Shroud for a Nightingale (1)
January 1975. Student nurse Heather Pearce dies during a training demonstration. Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh is sent to investigate, accompanied by his partner DS Masterson. Pathologist Dr. Chopra confirms that Pearce was poisoned. Dalgliesh and Masterson take statements from the nurses, despite Matron’s attempts to intercede.
2. Shroud for a Nightingale (2)
After Fallon’s death, Dalgliesh finds a library book in Fallon’s room and a letter in Pearce’s pigeonhole about a patient of Courtney-Briggs’ called Martin Dettinger, whose recent death on the hospital ward upset her. He later discovers rose spray, which Chopra confirms was used to poison Fallon. In the woods Dalgliesh is violently attacked.
3. The Black Tower (1)
March 1975. Dalgliesh is invited to Dorset by his old friend Father Michael, only to discover that he died a few days ago. Father Michael lived in a home for the disabled run by the enigmatic Wilfred, who has organised trips to Lourdes ever since he was miraculously cured there of a serious illness.
4. The Black Tower (2)
Wilfred announces that he will transfer the Grange to the Ridgewell Trust and hold a vote on whether he will carry on as spiritual adviser. Maggie threatens to down the ‘whole rotten place’. Despite Eric and Helen’s plot to usurp Wilfred, the majority of the Grange vote for Wilfred to stay, ensuring the Lourdes trips will continue.
5. A Taste for Death (1)
May 1975. 8-year-old Darren and churchwarden Miss Wharton find two dead bodies in the vestry of St Matthew’s Church, Paddington, their throats slashed. One is Sir Paul Berowne, a baronet and recently-resigned Tory MP; the other a homeless man called Harry Mack. Dalgliesh is called in to investigate, accompanied by DS Masterson and his new DS Kate Miskin.
6. A Taste for Death (2)
After the attack on Father Barnes while Halliwell was in custody, Dalgliesh brings Swayne and Lampart in for questioning. He discovers Lampart is having an affair with Lady Barbara, who reveals she is pregnant and thinks she will inherit everything. However, Lady Lavinia reveals that Sir Paul secretly changed his will at the last minute.
Cast & Crew
Bertie Carvel
Adam Dalgliesh
Story & Production Details
Reviews & Thoughts
I tend to give British mystery series a try just because so many of them are excellent. So I gave Dalgliesh a look. It is a fine show. The lead character is quiet and somewhat withdrawn due to a tragedy in his life a year earlier. I didn’t immediately take to him as I have with other detective team leaders like Vera or even DCI Banks. He came across at times as indecisive or passive. His assistant is a real jerk and hurt the investigation through his petty selfishness, but except for glaring at him at one point, Dalgliesh seemed unable to take control. Suspects and witnesses also showed no respect for him during interviews and conversations. Some of this weakness or passive attitude might seem exaggerated, however, again due to his dealing with his ongoing grief. And Dalgliesh may well grow on me, so if the show is extended for another season I will give it another look.
"Dalgliesh" cosplay's a 1970's British detective drama. Whilst all the trappings of a 70's detective drama are on show from bell bottoms to collars you could serve a modest meal off of, the attitudes displayed, are very 21st century liberal "woke" UK. The results a series that's not unwatchable but simply doesn't feel convincing. The problem comes in the form of the usual, DEI nonsense, that simply did not exist in that time period. Its akin to making a series about Henry VIII, having him wear a digital watch, whilst celebrating pride day. Good luck with that. Looking beyond this shortcoming the lead actor does a great job in the role of Dalgliesh. The softly spoken, thoughtful, man of letters, who just happens to be a top notch sleuth, is there in spades. As for the crime tales, each of which span two episodes, I found them a mixed bag. Some were compelling, others were your standard "who dun-nit" fare. One two episode set felt a little incomplete and could have done with a little more explanation. In summary, excellent acting from the lead, he truly owns this role "but" the setting of the 1970's feels anachronistic, in the context of the attitudes displayed, by the characters.The crime stories are a mixed bag, that range from excellent to mediocre. Worth a look if you enjoy Brit crime drama.
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