Rating: 
Summary: An excellent adaptation of the novel
Review: Elizabeth George writes incredibly complex novels that can become disturbingly graphic. She also creates vivid characters, and I could not imagine who could play Inspector Lynley (or Barbara Havers, for that matter) with success. I thus looked forward to the television adaptation of A Great Deliverance with some trepidation, wondering whether the novel could successfully make the transition from print to small screen.I need not have worried. This is a terrific adaptation, both well cast and well written. The characterizations are uniformly successful, and they make the transition to the small screen with complete success. The plot is equally successful, both well written and superbly adapted to the exigencies of television watching. Everyone who likes mysteries will enjoy this DVD, whether one is familiar with the book or not.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Deliverance
Review: Father Hart stumbles down the steps in to the dark cellar, and finds Roberta Tey, large and trembling, sitting just a few feet away from the beheaded corpse of her father. So begins the television adaptation of Elizabeth George's first mystery novel, "A Great Deliverance". Nathaniel Parker stars as Inspector Thomas Lynley, and Sharon Small as his assistant, DS Barbara Havers. The two are an odd match. Lynley is tall, handsome, well-kept, and comes from a wealthy family. Havers is short, unkempt, and struggles to take care of her ailing parents in her small, functional home. There is friction between the investigating officers, and it is a prime focus of the story. I appreciated that, although the differences between the two were played-up, the script also knew when to put it on the back-burner, and let the plot progress. The detectives from New Scotland Yard are sent to investigate the murder of the aforementioned beheaded farmer. The setting is the rural, picturesque countryside of England, and it used to full advantage. What comes across more than anything else in the TV adaptation of "A Great Deliverance" is the evocation of place. We are often graced with images of thatched roof cottages in lush green valleys, and grey, cobble-stoned little villages with sloping streets. The idyllic setting is in stark contrast with the horrific murder which has taken place, and the often unsettling movements of the strange and secretive suspects that pepper the landscape. This all works to good effect, creating a somewhat edgy atmosphere which permeates throughout the program. My quibbles with the story fall onto its more modern elements. Although it has certain 'golden age mystery' aspects, the story does feature very clear references to child abuse, baby killings, marital problems, and strong grudges held by members of the police ranks. I found all of those things a little jarring, in comparison with the beautiful scenery, and the quietness of the lead character. Nathaniel Parker plays Inspector Lynley with a solemn moroseness, a deep introspective quality which reminded me quite a bit of Roy Marsden's portrayal of Commander Adam Dalgliesh (in the popular P.D. James mystery adaptations). There was also one major red herring which, when revealed, was promptly dropped from the storyline. That was a little jarring, as well. The adaptation of "A Great Deliverance" succeeds with the solid portrayals of its lead characters, and with the utilization of the fabulous countryside setting that we find the murder mystery nestled in. The plot moves along at just the right pace. Some of the more modern elements clash with the established mood of the piece, but perhaps they are supposed to. It definitely serves as a good introduction into the television world of Inspector Lynley. I look forward to further installments.
Rating:
Summary: Nice, but George's voice is missing.
Review: From Elizabeth George's first great Inspector Lynley novel, the film version is a standard mystery, with good acting by a fine cast. But George's fans know that her tales are full of internal monologues and psychological insight, and would require more than the time & talent shown here to convey that on-screen. Hopefully future episodes will show less whodunit and more why, directed by someone else.
Rating:
Summary: Speed Bumps
Review: I give 4 stars for the sophistication - and the lack of (u.s. inevitable) romance between the main characters. But 2 stars for other details, which is why an overall 3 stars is earned. The first pairing of the detecting duo finds them mismatched and Lynley desperately trying to work his way around the insecure Havers' many character speed bumps. Lynley gets kudos for his patience and forebearance, especially when he's interacting with former members of his squad who bear him immense ill will. But Lynley is no pushover, would probably make an effective head of state, as his strength of character never varies. And Havers is brought to heel, so she isn't running amok in their later adventures. You can see the growth of their relationship in this first part. But the mystery itself isn't engaging to me, only the interaction of the main characters. A lot of modern Brit mystery is tawdry and lurid and even repulsive, unlike previous "cozy mystery" decades, in the vein of Dame Agatha, for example, with a country village and a smooth poisoning. Lynley is an example of the modern Brit mystery, though it is written by an American. One other puzzling bit, for viewers of the later episodes, is the Helen featured here by a charming and attractive actress is unfortunately replaced later by one who is rather plain and also missing the sense of humor and compassion that lay within first Helen. With the new Helen, I keep wondering what Lynley sees in her (his bride) whereas the first Helen raised no such questions.
Rating: 
Summary: Inspector Lynley Mysteries - A Great Deliverance
Review: I'm a great fan of Elizabeth George. This adaptation certainly does justice to her book. Even though I had read the book, the creepy parts were creepy and I enjoyed watching how the characters played out their roles within the story. Much recommended, especially for a "George" fan!
Rating:
Summary: Inspector Lynley Mysteries - A Great Deliverance
Review: I'm a great fan of Elizabeth George. This adaptation certainly does justice to her book. Even though I had read the book, the creepy parts were creepy and I enjoyed watching how the characters played out their roles within the story. Much recommended, especially for a "George" fan!
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining New Duo in Mystery Solving
Review: This introduction of Inspector Lynley and Sgt. Havers is the start of an excellent series that has not only mystery but humor and character development as well. The aristocratic Lynley and the chip-on-the-shoulder working-class Havers start off as oil and water but their growing respect and consideration (no, no romance hovers yet, anyway) for each other is a large part of the appeal of the series. I could do with a little less soppiness on Lynley's part in his various (and so far unsuccessful) affairs of the heart and Havers' belligerence at first rather grates but both of these seem to be improving as the series goes on and the plots and humor of the mysteries are excellent. I predict a very successful run for the sexy Lynley and his touchy sidekick
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful adaptation.
Review: This wasn't exactly the story I was expecting to see after reading the novel (some aspects of the solution to the mystery were changed), but it still stood beautifully on its own. This program introduces the odd couple detective team of the aristocratic Thomas Lynley and the working class Barbara Havers, investigating the beheading of a farmer in a small English town. The locales were stunning, and the casting was true to the spirit of the characters in the books, although the dark-haired actor playing Lynley was a little hard to get used to. Sharon Small as the angry, defensive, beleaguered, vulnerable, good-hearted Havers was fantastic. Havers has always been the key character to me, the one I keep reading the mysteries for, and it was such a pleasure to see an actress capture who she was so beautifully. Everything important about the character was there: everything from her family problems to her budget clothing, her inferiority complex, her temper, her capability, her gentleness, and examples of the humorous situations that she keeps finding herself in. The actress was absolutely captivating. This is a wonderful start to this new line of video mysteries. I can't wait to see Havers on the screen again. This fan of Elizabeth George mysteries, for one, is absolutely thrilled.
Rating: 
Summary: the story 1 star minus 5, the countryside 5 stars
Review: what a lousy and totally worthless story to be told. this is a no big deal story not even worth to be read albeit put into film production. this kind mystery is so lukewarm with endless talk and talk. i have tried very hard to hang on to the end just because couldn't get enough of the beautiful countryside sceneries.
Rating:
Summary: "I'm just this protected, pampered inbred."
Review: When farmer, William Tey is found decapitated in his barn, Inspector Lynley and Sgt Havers from Scotland Yard are dispatched to a remote Yorkshire village to solve the crime. The murdered farmer's daughter, Roberta, who was found next to the body, is now in a catatonic state and locked up in a mental institution. Any murder investigation requires understanding the victim, and Lynley and Havers discover some very interesting information about Tey. On one hand, the local vicar claims Tey was a veritable pillar of the community, but stormy local artist, Ezra claims Tey was a violent man. Lynley and Havers struggle to determine the truth about Tey and solve the crime.
"Great Deliverance" is the first episode in the Inspector Lynley television series. The characters and the story are based on the detective novels of Elizabeth George. "Great Deliverance" is an introduction of the main characters--the detective team of Lynley and Havers. Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) is actually the 8th Earl of Asherton--he's aristocratic, wealthy and even has an ancestral home somewhere. Barbara Havers (Sharon Small), on the other hand, is working class, lives in a tiny, depressing council house, and life is an uphill struggle. Lynley and Havers are teamed together--deliberately--by their superiors. It is hoped that Lynley and Havers will fail miserably. And they do have a bumpy start. Havers has a gigantic chip on her shoulder. She's prickly and as Lynley notes "constantly on the defensive." She, on the other hand, refers to Lynley as an "arrogant, aristocratic ponce."
"Great Deliverance" is solid entertainment for mystery fans. It's intensely interesting--on one level, there's the murder, and all its attendant red herrings. The Yorkshire village is not exactly welcoming to outsiders, and it doesn't help that the local constabulary loathes Lynley. On another level, the main characters of Lynley and Havers must deal with their own personal demons if they're going to solve this case. Lynley is trying to come to terms with losing the woman he loves. He'd like to be obsessed about her, but he can't afford to be. Havers is trying to manage her geriatric, senile parents long distance. Lastly, the detectives must also weld together a satisfactory working relationship, and this means they have to learn to communicate--without barbs, snide comments, or class-consciousness. When Lynley gives an order, Havers must accept it with grace and comply without muttering under her breath. I'm interested to see how this unusual detective team iron out their differences in future cases--displacedhuman
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