Series two of Inspector Lewis is my first introduction to the show. Rules dictate that I should have started with series one, but I defy rules. In fact, I started watching series two of Doctor Who before series one, and I’ve gone on to be a major Whoverse fan. Now why did I want to watch this particular mystery series? It was upon learning that it was Masterpiece Mystery from PBS with a British cast that I decided I would certainly have to make time for it in my busy TV/DVD-viewing schedule.

You see, I’m a sucker for tightly written mysteries, and I also enjoy British accents. They’re always ‘fancying’ something, and they make every word sound very posh. In a more serious vein, I find that British shows don’t mind being wordy and witty at the same time. And let’s be honest — you don’t turn to PBS for anything less than an intelligent show that you can be fully engrossed by.

The show follows Inspector Robert Lewis (Kevin Whately) and Detective Sergeant James Hathaway (Laurence Fox) as they investigate crimes in Oxford, England (a gorgeous place). These two characters are both pleasantly wordy and witty. I do think I am fonder of Hathaway than Lewis, but the duo definitely compliments each other’s personalities. In series two, you get to watch Lewis and Hathaway in powerfully titled episodes like: “And the Moonbeam Kiss the Sea,” “Life Born of Fire,” and “The Quality of Mercy.”

The actual outside case for the DVDs isn’t very sturdy, but the inside cases are. Those DVD cases are unfortunately not labeled in order except on the binding, but it’s not a problem once you learn that’s where to look. I really enjoy the box art. The design isn’t too busy and it has a hint of mysterious red blood integrated on it without being obscene or too literal.

All in all, I think this is a show that hasn’t gotten enough press. It’ll keep you on your toes for sure. I definitely plan to re-watch the series because there are so many little nuggets of facts that are great to throw out to impress people. This, in turn, makes your friends stay on their toes around you. It’s the circle of life, or so I’ve heard.

Inspector Lewis series 2 is a four-part series. The DVD box-set has 4 discs with 7 episodes. That adds up to 10 hours. This is released from WGBH Boston Video, and it is available to buy as of October 13, 2009.