As previous reviewers have already said, this probably is the best of Morse. The writing, characterisation and acting are all aligned and it works to superb effect. The interplay between Morse and Dawson is some of the best tv acting I've yet seen, you genuinely believe the past they talk of was real, you can imagine them as colleagues years before. The acting deepens the characters meaning you feel the sadness at the denouement. You know Dawson, his faults, the reasons he took a different path, and despite not necessarily agreeing with him, you still feel sorry for him. The background theme of the rights and wrongs of capital punishment also give an insight into both characters and their motivations. Lewis is used to great effect between the two, trying to keep up but never fully aware of the subtle relationship underneath. Thaw has never been better - his eyes and his acting are a model of restraint. This is tv of the very highest order. Superb.
Review of Second Time Around
