Hold on to your hats, crime drama fans! A beloved classic is making a comeback, and this time, the picturesque landscapes of Suffolk are set to play a starring role. Inspector Lynley, the sophisticated detective drama that captivated audiences from 2001 to 2008, is being rebooted by the BBC, promising a fresh take on Elizabeth George's iconic characters and gripping mysteries. But here's where it gets interesting... the series is getting a brand new cast!
While Nathaniel Parker brilliantly embodied DI Lynley in the original series, this reboot introduces us to a younger, perhaps more brooding, Tommy Lynley, played by the talented Leo Suter, aged 32. Alongside him, Sofia Barclay, 37, steps into the shoes of the sharp and insightful DS Barbara Havers. This casting decision alone is sure to spark debate amongst longtime fans – can Suter and Barclay capture the same chemistry and dynamic as their predecessors?
The new four-part series plunges DI Lynley into the heart of the Three Counties Major Investigation Team, a specialized unit tackling the most complex and disturbing crimes across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. Imagine the quaint countryside juxtaposed with the dark underbelly of criminal activity! And this is the part most people miss... While previous seasons actually filmed in various locations across Suffolk, offering viewers a glimpse of the region's charm, the new series, surprisingly, wasn't actually filmed in the county - a fact that might disappoint some Suffolk residents hoping to see their local landmarks on screen. However, the show promises to still heavily feature Suffolk in its narrative and setting.
Adding even more star power to the cast are Catherine Russell as Helen Lynley, Lesley Vickerage as Helen Clyde, Paul Hickey as Lafferty, and Shaun Parkes as DC Winston Nkata. Plus, Daniel Mays, known for his previous work filming Magpie Murders in Suffolk, joins the team as DCI Brian Nies. It seems Suffolk just can't escape the allure of crime dramas!
The return of Inspector Lynley has been highly anticipated since BBC bosses confirmed the reboot last year. The writing is in the capable hands of Steve Thompson, a seasoned writer with credits on acclaimed shows like Doctor Who, Vienna Blood, Jericho, and Sherlock. Thompson himself expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It's a privilege and a thrill to have the opportunity to adapt these wonderful books for television... Elizabeth George's iconic characters are greatly loved and her gripping stories are smart and ingenious.”
Elizabeth George, the author behind the novels, echoes this excitement: “I'm thrilled to see Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers come to television again, especially through the participation of the BBC and Britbox and the production expertise of Playground. Watching my characters brought to life on television is a real celebration.”
Mark your calendars! The new series of Inspector Lynley airs on BBC One at 8.30pm on Monday, January 5.
But here's a question to ponder: Can a reboot ever truly capture the magic of the original? Or is it simply capitalizing on nostalgia? And do you think the change of location filming diminishes the role of Suffolk in the new series, even if it's still heavily featured in the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions on the casting choices, the storyline, and whether you're excited for Inspector Lynley's return.
