Who do you think is the better detective?
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
cielo2001 — 18 years ago(December 06, 2007 10:52 AM)
I have watched the last 7 episodes of this series and have read the first four books. I can't help feeling that Havers is the one that uncovers the important clues and that Lynley just kind of swoops in at the end. Am I wrong or does anyone feel the same way?
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halavana — 18 years ago(December 15, 2007 02:01 PM)
They seem to be fairly equal to me. Havers is where Lynley was 10 years before, doing the leg work and reporting findings. She and Nkata, who make up Lynley's team, all work together to solve their cases. The personal problems Lynley faces in the last 7 episodes interfere continually, of course. Once Havers no longer has to worry so much about her parents, she's more free to focus on her job. Their role reversals are part of what make the series so enjoyable.
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crazy_janes — 17 years ago(May 25, 2008 01:22 PM)
Havers is definately the better detective. If Lynley listened to her instead of shouting her down and pulling rank, they'd solve the murders in half the time. It's beyond me why she hasn't punched his lights out by now!
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brumby058 — 12 years ago(March 29, 2014 12:30 PM)
Havers is definately the better detective. If Lynley listened to her instead of shouting her down and pulling rank, they'd solve the murders in half the time. It's beyond me why she hasn't punched his lights out by now!
Couldnt agree more, crazy_janes.
Ive now watched the entire series and think that the problem with Havers is that she tolerates Lynleys verbal abuse because she suffers from low self-esteem.
This is demonstrated by the frequency of her hesitant responses when asked direct questions by others, where she often, if not always, reacts with some surprise that her opinion is actually being asked for, before tentatively replying.
This behaviour pattern became increasingly irritating as the episodes progressed.
I could even go so far as to say that in some ways her behaviour demonstrated some of the characteristics more commonly associated with what has been described as battered wife syndrome.
Very rarely did she stand up to Lynley during his shouting episodes, even when he became actually insulting not only about her abiilties as a detective but also, by implication, as a person. No matter how rude Lynley was she always forgave him with a simpering smile. By doing so she acknowledged that he was right and she was wrong.
When she later received the same treatment she yet again accepted that it was well-deserved, and forgave him. Whenever her insights into a case turned out to be correct, and Lynley grudgingly recognised her input, she always accepted his scant recognition of her contribution with unnecessarily obsequious gratitude.
Even in the final episode of Season 6, in which Havers stood up to Lynley more strongly than shed ever done before, and his behaviour toward her became correspondingly even more aggressive and bullying, she once again accepted it without a fuss, even though officers in an adjacent room were well aware of his tirade.
As far as Lynley himself is concerned, his behaviour toward his subordinate is characterictically that of a wife beater. As portrayed by Nathaniel Parker he was nothing less than a bully, very quick to anger whenever his opinions were questioned, and one whose arrogant and domineering manner enabled him to control othersnot only Havers, but even his own superiorsand whenever hes forced by circumstances to admit that hes either gone too far (either with Havers, witnesses, suspects and/or others) or he attempted to ingratiate himself (i.e. with Helens I & II, his mother and his sister) these attempts are always accompanied by one of the most insincere, fake (i.e. stomach-churning) smiles Ive ever seen on film.
That those to whom he was speaking didnt recogniseand respond appropriately tohis patently patronising insolence, but instead accepted it as "sincere," is beyond me. -
Franny25 — 10 years ago(March 12, 2016 12:45 AM)
brumby058 and crazy_janes,
just watching this show now. I agree with both of you. Lynley is an ass and abusive toward Havers. From what I've seen and remember Havers is the more naturally instinctive detective. And it really is annoying how Lynley happily takes credit for her work - especially after she has to practically beg him to listen to her.
brumby, your take on Lynley's behavior mimicking a batterer is spot on. The irrational anger and tirades followed up by an over the top concern which comes across as phony. Almost reminiscent of a serial killer. LOL! I have no idea what they are like in the books so this just may be a case of miscasting.
In any event Lynley is so arrogant and condescending it is infuriating whether he's being abusive toward Havers or trying to "help" her in her life or at work. Helen was beyond awful on so many levels I was ready to pull the trigger myself. She was quite condescending toward Havers as well. And, yea, the few times Havers remembered she had a spine were welcome relief.
I know I'm late to the party but hey I'm finally here. -
brumby058 — 10 years ago(April 02, 2016 06:03 AM)
Thank you, Franny 35. It's nice get positive feedback here, unlike some other threads I've posted on (not many), where the rule appears to be that, unless you agree with some people, you become their target for outright abuse. Your reply was appreciated.