- Chief Superintendent Strange: [Referring to Eirl] We've got a very important corpse on our hands.
- Chief Inspector Morse: Yes, I preferred him as a suspect.
- Chief Inspector Morse: Here we are again, Lewis... putting together the last moments of a complete stranger's life... showing more concern for him than we would when he was alive.
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: He wasn't our problem when he was alive, was he?
- [Lewis is thinking of applying for promotion and a transfer to Traffic Division]
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: I might not pass the exam. Even if I did, it could be months before there's a promotion vacancy. The thing is, sir, I have to have your recommendation. And what I need to know is... d'you think I'm good enough to be recommended for promotion?
- [long pause]
- Chief Inspector Morse: I'm sorry to tell you, Lewis... that the answer to that... is yes.
- Harry Field Senior: [Speaking of art] Two golden rules of forgery, Mr. Morse, spontaniety and never do Raphael.
- Helen Field: I always thought Harry and I would have time to... agree to terms of peace before our old age. It's always later than you think, isn't it?
- [last lines]
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: About me, going on and on, sir...
- Chief Inspector Morse: To traffic?
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: Exactly. I've been having a bit of a rethink. The missus reckons I'd be miserable, and I'm not sure a hat would suit me just at the moment. Maybe I'll give meself another year.
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: Tired, sir?
- Chief Inspector Morse: Ye-e-es.
- Detective Sergeant Lewis: Why's that?
- Chief Inspector Morse: Lack of sleep.