MovieChat Forums > George Gently (2007) Discussion > Lee Ingleby makes the series for me.

Lee Ingleby makes the series for me.

posted 10 years ago by daniel-grigg
26 replies | jump to latest

Disagree with the character's stance on many if not most things, but I love the way Lee Ingleby plays Bacchus. Entertaining, rounded, refreshing and strangely likeable (or at least understandable).

The inadequate, conflicted, tory voting, book-cover judging, adolescent, petulant version of the things that made Gene Hunt such a great character in Life On Mars. Almost without fail he makes every potentially dull interaction or set-up into something more entertaining, nuanced, fraught and multi-layered.

Along with the brilliant 60s references, stories, look, sets and sensibilities, it's the thing that keeps me most interested about every new series announcement. In the same way David Suchet, John Thaw and Jeremy Brett did for Poirot, Morse and Holmes. You love the characters and trust them to bring entertainment and a rich layering to almost every story, no matter what the direction.

[–] sberti-580-195588 10 years ago

Well Said! I agree!

Lee Ingleby's Bacchus keeps me watching. The 60s is a great setting. I like the interaction between Gently & Bacchus.

People are asking about Series 8 and we don't have Series 7 yet, on Netflix Canada. *Patiently waiting*

You're right. Gene Hunt in Life On Mars was great.

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]

[–] chewtoy45 9 years ago

Disagree with the character's stance on many if not most things, but I love the way Lee Ingleby plays Bacchus. Entertaining, rounded, refreshing and strangely likeable (or at least understandable).

The inadequate, conflicted, tory voting, book-cover judging, adolescent, petulant version of the things that made Gene Hunt such a great character in Life On Mars. Almost without fail he makes every potentially dull interaction or set-up into something more entertaining, nuanced, fraught and multi-layered.

Totally agree. Love Lee Ingleby as Bacchus ("So what you are going to do after you've nicked me job then, Rachel? Are you going to surgically remove me balls, are you?") and Philip Glenister as Gene Hunt. Both laugh-out-loud funny and great actors.

I think I'll have a large order of prognosis negative.

[–] skay_baltimore 9 years ago

I hear what you're saying but his obnoxious character just totally grated on my nerves by around the 4th season, and by the 7th season I just wanted to fast forward through all of his scenes. I mean...c'mon...it was like he suffered from Asperger's Syndrome or something. And he should have been disciplined countless times rather than tolerated by Gently. It was one of the most unrealistic aspects of the show.

Love isn't what you say or how you feel, it's what you do. (The Last Kiss)

[–] lrod 9 years ago

Asperger's is the perfect diagnosis. Smart, weak on social skills. I have an intimate awareness of the condition, and all I can tell you is I have two groups of acquaintances--those upon whom I grate, and those who adore my style. I don't have much say in the matter, and neither does John.

All I can do is suggest you embrace his character, as at the same time, he's brilliantly effective while executing awkwardly. If you can't, move on. There's nothing wrong with his portrayal. You might not like me, either.

LRod
ZJX, ORD, ZAU retired

[–] gtbarker 8 years ago

Smart? When is he smart? He jumps to conclusions that are almost always proven wrong.

'Well I've got two words for you - STFU'

[–] ronricho 9 years ago

I totally agree. Much as I like Martin Shaw, and I like him and Gently very much, this series would not be the same without Bacchus. He's one of those characters who, if you knew him in real life you could do without but as a fictional character you are drawn to him warts and all. That's great acting.

His scenes with Gently (just the two of them) are precious gems of acting.

[–] huluchrome 9 years ago

Lee Ingleby make the series but Martin Shaw irritates me, he plays the same character in ever series... womanizing, pompous and indignant.... The story line in the later series got a bit ridiculous but seems to be back on track.... Lee Ingleby has been good in everything I've seen him in.

[–] slimone (7996) 8 years ago

I have to disagree with you about Martin Shaw in this series. Yes he was exactly as you described in Judge John Deed, but he is not the same in George Gently. On the contrary he is very intuitive and good at his job. I'm just starting series seven and I love the show. Ingleby is wonderful.

[–] huluchrome 9 years ago

Lee Ingleby makes the series but Martin Shaw irritates me, he plays the same character in ever series... womanizing, pompous and indignant.... The story line in the later series got a bit ridiculous but seems to be back on track.... Lee Ingleby has been good in everything I've seen him in.

[–] Moscoso1967 9 years ago

I totally agree. Much as I like Martin Shaw, and I like him and Gently very much, this series would not be the same without Bacchus.

I second that!
I was actually a bit afraid when he became Inspector in series 7 and Rachel Sergeant that they might want to get rid of him (in Midsomer Murders the way they wrote out was they promoted Troy to Inspector), but judging from the last episode it seems like Bacchus is staying (at least for another season). Although I don't mind Rachel, the show wouldn't be the same without Bacchus.

[–] alphatwin2002 8 years ago

I've seen the entire series, and I found it rather tedious that no matter what crops up (murder, suicide?), Bacchus has some simplistic explanation for it, without knowing the facts. He reminds me of someone throwing spaghetti at the ceiling to see if it sticks. Yes, he has his moments, and I will admit that he does evolve as a human being eventually. I'm glad Rachel was added to the cast--what a foil for Bacchus.

[–] tomk1of1 8 years ago

I'm on season 6. I was hoping that soon he'd have benefited from all the good mentoring he gets from George..lol...he believes in him.,,but talk about patience. Lol. I was hoping he'd grow up a bit b4 too long...we'll, won't stop me from watching, I don't like too many proceedurals,but I like this one,usually.

[–] de3206 9 years ago

He's good, but not the only reason I watch. It's a period piece like Foyle, I love the 60s cars, music, jargon, attitudes that they do a great job in recreating.....it feels right for the 60s, like Foyles War feels right for WW2 period in UK. Endeavour, a prequel to Morse also does a nice job with the 50s.

I also like Ingelby in Place of Execution, set maybe in the 50s, where he is a much older, staid detective.

[–] Sook-Yongsheng 9 years ago

Endeavour, a prequel to Morse also does a nice job with the 50s.

Endeavour is also set in the 60s.

45 Years: 9
Son of Saul: 10
The Witch: 8.5
Bridge of Spies: 8.5

[–] de3206 9 years ago

That's what happens when you don't wear your glasses typing on a keyboard the size of a postage stamp.

Sorry. You're right.

[–] Sook-Yongsheng 9 years ago

No big deal. 

45 Years: 9
Son of Saul: 10
The Witch: 8.5
Bridge of Spies: 8.5

[–] de3206 9 years ago

What do you think of Foyles War....the historical fullness in the context.

[–] Sook-Yongsheng 9 years ago

Foyle is excellent, and the WWII context is convincingly depicted.

No one can deny that Foyle is an outstanding detective, but he's a bit of a 'chilly' character.

Somehow I just can't warm up to him the way I can Gently, Bacchus, Morse, Thursday, Lewis, Hathaway, etc.

45 Years: 9
Son of Saul: 10
The Witch: 8.5
Bridge of Spies: 8.5

[–] de3206 9 years ago

To me he embodies the famous "stiff upper lip" the Brits believed at that time as good decorum.

I warm up to him because he is a guy with deep moral convictions, and a very dry sense of humor.

[–] Sook-Yongsheng 9 years ago

To me he embodies the famous "stiff upper lip"

Yes, Foyle certainly is a very striking example of that.

45 Years: 9
Son of Saul: 10
The Witch: 8.5
Bridge of Spies: 8.5

[–] jlprizm86 9 years ago

He definitely grew on me because in many instances I am Gently shaking my head at his behavior and responses to things. But I disagree with you about why I am glued to this show. Shaw for me is the main attraction. Every scene he is in I love watching his reactions. My favorite was the cathedral one where he was being framed and hunted down.

[–] gtbarker 8 years ago

He's a weasel alright

'Well I've got two words for you - STFU'