MORSE may be no more but a glimpse of a red Jag in the pilot episode of this respectful spin-off suggests that he's still here in spirit.

On a more practical level, trusty Sergeant Lewis has been promoted to fill his old boss's shoes in the city where murderers are as mean as anywhere else but often have the benefit of a classical education.

John Thaw is one heck of an act to follow but Kevin Whately rises to the challenge with an unassuming, understated authority.

Now he's an inspector, he's got a sergeant of his own - a former theology scholar played by Laurence Fox - and the sparky chemistry between the two is a major plus point.