This is one of the finest Morse episodes for a number of reasons. One characteristic of this entry is that the viewer is exposed to a number of false leads and to elements of evidence which either point to criminality or to innocence-- only to find that the seemingly obvious conclusions yielded by the evidence have been premature and inaccurate. The plot basically involves the possibility that a wealthy man, whose daughter suffered irreversible brain damage during a minor operation, has decided to take vengeance on the medical personnel involved in the surgery. When the surgeon who performed the operation is found dead in his own garage, the grief stricken father (Michael Steppings) becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. As the investigation unfolds, we learn that there are two or three other people, including the surgeon's wife and son, who had a possible motive to murder the good doctor. In the final analysis, the viewer is exposed to a premeditated and carefully constructed plot to inveigle the police and to destroy the lives and/or reputations of those involved in the botched surgical procedure. Naturally, he who would seek to take vengeance on others must be prepared for the possibility that he, himself, will suffer some form of retribution. The end is predictable-- with the architect of the diabolical revenge scheme experiencing "justice" rendered by one of his intended victims. As played by Brian Cox, the character of Michael Steppings is someone we are forced to sympathize with, even if we cannot condone the measures he takes to punish the medical malefactors. In this episode, even Morse displays a level of emotional involvement which is unusual. Two murders are solved in this episode, with one solution aided by a small detail (a scene in a painting) which does not escape the shrewd analysis of Inspector Morse. All things considered, this really is one of the best entries in the Morse series and is characterized by outstanding performances in the lead roles.

The Inspector Morse series is one of the greatest in detective drama. While Colin Dexter's books are marvels of intricate (and occasionally bizarre) plot twists, the movies focus more on the characters involved...and in this movie (and "Who Killed Harry Field") especially so. The mystery is good, but the kinship between Morse and chief suspect Michael Steppings is best thing about this particular episode. It's one of those great films where the bad guys and good guys seem to have reversed roles, and the whole mystery hinges on one small slip...#2 on the list of the five greatest Morses!