During a Halloween, one of Dr Hobson's college roommates is found dead with a stake through her heart and a garlic bulb in her mouth.During a Halloween, one of Dr Hobson's college roommates is found dead with a stake through her heart and a garlic bulb in her mouth.During a Halloween, one of Dr Hobson's college roommates is found dead with a stake through her heart and a garlic bulb in her mouth.
Photos
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn keeping with the Halloween setting several character names allude to the horror/ mystery genre. Victor Clerval combines Victor Frankenstein and his friend Henry Clerval. Madeleine Escher and her boyfriend Roddy Allen are references to Edgar Allan Poe's "Fall Of The House Of Usher", in which Madeline Usher appears to obsess Roderick, her brother. "Ligeia" is a story by Poe which also features Rowena Trevanion. Van Tessel evokes Katrina Van Tassel in Washington Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow". Jonathan Corwin was an important inquisitor in the Salem witch trials. Ken Strickfaden was a film effects designer, notably on the iconic laboratory sets for Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
- GoofsAll entries contain spoilers
- Quotes
Professor Angus Rawbone: [Leaving a house with a dead body, presumably after the initial on-site examination] Between 2 and 4 this morning, to save you asking; have to wait for the PM
[Post Mortem = autopsy]
Professor Angus Rawbone: for anything further
DI Robert Lewis: First impressions?
Professor Angus Rawbone: Throat cut from left to right, finger marks on the lips and chin? I think we can discount suicide
DS James Hathaway: You know, what he lacks in bedside manner, he more than makes up for in basic incivility
- ConnectionsReferences Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
As said a number of times already, 'Lewis' started off very promising with the pilot and Season 1. It was with Season 2 where 'Lewis' hit its stride with things generally feeling more settled. Season 3 was a more mixed bag, started disappointing "Allegory of Love" (though to me it was not a bad episode), before getting better with "The Quality of Mercy" and finishing well. "The Dead of Winter" was a well done start to Season 4, "Dark Matter" was to me the best episode since "Music to Die For" and "Your Sudden Death Question" was solid. However, "Falling Darkness" is the best of the fourth season and one of the best 'Lewis' episodes to me.
"Falling Darkness" is one of the few episodes of 'Lewis' where it was difficult to find any fault. Do like 'Lewis' very much, but will admit that most episodes while still rating high fall short of perfection. Love the Gothic Halloween setting and the identity of the responsible is a huge surprise as well as the motive. The climax is one of 'Lewis' better climaxes with a lot of tension and didn't feel confused or far-fetched.
As always, the acting is fine, anchored by Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately is again very good and carries the episode with aplomb, advantaged by that Lewis is much more developed and as said he has more development. Clare Holman adds a lot and has an even bigger role than before (a sensitive performance that is some of her best on the show), which was great. Fox is a breath of fresh air in a great contrasting role that reminds one of a more intelligent Lewis in his younger days and his sparkling sparring chemistry with Whately is a big part of the episode's, and show's, appeal. Can't fault the supporting acting either.
Production values are of very high quality. It's beautifully shot as always, and Oxford not only looks exquisite but is like a supporting character in itself. Barrington Pheloung returns as composer, and does a first-rate job. The theme tune, while not as iconic or quite as clever as Morse's, is very pleasant to listen to, the episode is charmingly and hauntingly scored and the use of pre-existing music is very well-incorporated.
Writing is smart and thought-provoking. The story is gripping with great twists and turns and there is also a real effort to properly develop all the ideas introduced rather than leaving questions in the balance, not always the case with 'Lewis'. The characters are well written and engaging.
In conclusion, a brilliant episode and one of the show's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 11, 2017
Details
- Runtime1 hour 20 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1