George Gently - The Incorruptible 2 - DVD

Film: George Gently - The Incorruptible finally enters its second round. Set in 1960s England and starring ex-professional Martin Shaw, the crime series is based on the book series by Alan Hunter, who wrote over 30 George Gently novels from 1955 to 1999. Unlike the books, the series is set in Northumberland and County Durham, though it is filmed in Ireland. Two factors make the George Gently films so worth watching: firstly, by setting the stories in the 1960s, an era of cultural and social upheaval, it is possible to take a very interesting look at controversial topics such as abortion, child abuse or xenophobia, even today.

Secondly, the relationship between Gently, the experienced policeman from the big city, and Detective Sergeant John Baccus, the young colleague from the countryside, is an important element that contributes to the success of the series. Because Baccus has a mind of his own, thinks he knows exactly what's best for his career and therefore rarely listens to his experienced colleague. This creates a certain tension between the two, which at times leads to very humorous moments and makes the constellation definitely exciting and entertaining.

The second George Gently box offers three new films around the investigator, embodied by Martin Shaw with powerful restraint. A great set, good supporting cast and an accomplished dubbing make this thrilling trip back to the 60s a real must for all crime fiction fans.

DVD1: MISSING

When Alfred Peachment, an elderly gentleman, is found murdered in his home, a former orphanage, at first everything looks like the lucrative estate of Mr. Peachment might have been a reason for the murder. But soon it turns out that cruel things have been going on behind the walls of the orphanage, in which Mr. Peachment was instrumental - and with the new motive, there are suddenly new suspects.

This gritty episode is very hard hitting. However, the action is lightened by Bacchus` jealous behaviour towards young Sergeant Colm Blacksmith, who impresses Gently with his zeal and powers of deduction - and is a real thorn in Bacchus` side. A great episode that alone makes the box set worth buying.

DVD 2: DEADLY MISSION

In a church, the body of a young woman is found laid out on the altar. The dead woman is no stranger to Bacchus, as she was a waitress in a nightclub where the young cop occasionally escaped from his daily routine. When it turns out that Audrey was pregnant and had an abortion, an anti-abortion activist and shortly afterwards her husband, who had an affair with Audrey, are targeted by the investigators. But the owner of the nightclub and his wife don't necessarily give Gently the impression that they really wear white vests, either.

Deadly Mission is a suspenseful case that stands out precisely because it shows a new side of Bacchus that doesn't really improve his relationship with Gently.

DVD 3: EVIL BLOOD

Maggie Aderton is brutally raped and murdered. Suspicion falls on her boyfriend, petty criminal Jimmy. When Gently and Bacchus find out that Maggie has been taking advantage of her position at the passport office to sell expired passports on the black market, and that Jimmy had a hand in it, suspicions grow stronger. But the fact that the murdered woman has just become the mother of a coloured child reshuffles the cards. Does the murder have racist motives?

Although Bad Blood is the weakest episode in this box due to some lengths, this case is also worth watching. Especially the hatred towards Muslim immigrants has a very current explosiveness. The handling of this issue is very well solved and makes this case despite clear weaknesses quite still worth watching!

Picture + Sound: As with the first box, there are again numerous moments in which even small details come into focus very sharply, while other, rather dark scenes seem somewhat washed out. Overall, however, the picture, like the rather decent stereo sound, is on a good TV level and captures the atmosphere of the films quite well.

Extras: Unfortunately, the DVD box offers no bonus material. Only a few program tips from the provider can be found on the third DVD. Too bad!

Conclusion: The second DVD box of George Gently has only three new episodes to offer, but they are consistently worth watching. With a rather gritty underlying tone, but broken up again and again by quiet British humor, topics such as child abuse, discrimination, abortion or rape are dealt with, while the whole thing never seems lurid, but always damn exciting and entertaining. Great acting, engagingly directed and well dubbed - this makes George Gently a real must-see for all lovers of British crime fiction of a special kind. Absolutely recommended!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp