Left: 9 x 12 inch page in a Fabriano Venezia in-studio journal. Sketch of actor Kevin Whately as "Inspector Lewis." Pentel Aquash Brush Pen with light black ink. Click on the image to view an enlargement.
Other folks may rave about "Downton Abbey" (I love it too I'm not going to complain) but my favorite British show on TV has for a long time been "Inspector Lewis."
It's an outgrowth of the "Inspector Morse," series which ran for 33 episodes between 1987 and 2000, with actor John Thaw playing the senior cop, the boss of Lewis.
Well Thaw is sadly gone now. His character, Inspector Morse, was highly educated, loved opera, well, you get the idea. As a Sergeant Robbie Lewis was always more on the outside of the "university" culture in Oxford. There was a nice balance between the two characters.
The balance in the new series comes from Inspector Lewis' own age (and increased understanding of the people with whom he's dealing) and the erudite leanings of the rather "dishy Detective Sergeant James Hathaway" (he is referenced that way in the series a couple times—and he is rather dishy) who studied for the priesthood and became a cop.
In each episode characters are met, characters die, sleuthing ensues, justice comes (often too late to save some). The two main actors have developed a convincing rapport for their characters. The plots may be transparent at times, or overly complex at others, but I watch the show because I like these characters and want to see what they are up to. (Of course I want Robbie to get over grieving for his wife and give the lovely medical examiner a chance.)
And yes, there are ample sketching opportunities. If it isn't the wonderful wrinkles in Whately's face it's those interesting ears on Laurence Fox. Fox is simply a joy to watch. He has the best walk of any male actor on TV. Watch his feet. The walk is always measured, deliberate, and balanced—with a slight swagger and often a little bit of puppy. He's always dressed in the most amazingly slim cut suits. In profile, walking through the crime scene, he looks every bit a transfer from the 18th century.
I could watch these over and over again. And I will have to continue to do so, because I understand the series is coming to an end. Watch (and sketch) now while you can.
