George goes to war
Inspector Gently faces two of his biggest career challenges in season 7.
British crime show Inspector George Gently (2007- current) started the sleuthing action in 1964. Seven seasons later, Chief Inspector Gently (Martin Shaw) is facing his biggest career test yet in 1969: his failing health and colleagues who’re standing in his way as he investigates his new case. “The writers thought that George needed another challenge this season, so we’re exploring multiple sclerosis,” says series lead Martin. “It’s a [nervous system] disease that comes and goes but is present in the whole of the new four-part series.”
FIGHTING BACK
The four episodes are 90 minutes each and Martin adds that “I did a lot of research to play this condition – not for the drama, but out of respect for viewers and people who suffer
with it. People nowadays use cannabis as an effective treatment, but that isn’t an option for George in 1969!” Something else that’s not an option in episode 1 is getting help from his colleagues. Inspector Gently is investigating the rape of a sex worker but the other coppers think that he’s “gone nuts” because a prostitute can’t be raped – she’s selling sex after all. This incorrect mindset doesn’t sit well with George and that kickstarts his mission to change the way the police force handle rape cases.
TWO’S COMPANY
At least George can count on his two faithful friends on the force as the episodes unfold. Sergeant Rachel
Coles (Lisa McGrillis) relives tragic memories in episode 2 (21 April) when they investigate an apparent suicide of a doctor, while
George’s right-hand Detective Inspector John Bacchus (Lee Ingleby) is still jumping around in his leprechaun- green suite. “I love working on the show but could John please get a makeover?”