Heat Of The Sun (British Mystery TV)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: B-     Extras: D     Telefilms: B

 

 

Mystery literature has covered more of the world than its TV and cinematic equivalent, but the occasional film or series surfaces to bring us a new twist on the genre beyond shallow plot points.  Heat Of The Sun (1998) offers Trevor Eve as former Scotland Yard Detective Albert Tyler, now living in Nairobi.  Like the South Africa of A Dry White Season (1989), justice is not so simple in a far off land, but Tyler just cannot turn off his talents.  As a matter of fact, he has been sent to Africa to continue his ace detective work.

 

Private Lives, Hide In Plain Site and The Sport Of Kings are three telefilms that have been collected in this first DVD set of these telefilms.  Joined by Emma Fitzgerald (Susannah Harker) and working closely with Police Commissioner Ronald Burkitt, Tyler has to navigate an unsure land with more than one language and ins and outs like nothing in a first world country.  That is part of the effectiveness and intrigue of the series, which exceeds the genre as it usually surfaces on television, and makes for one of the more intelligent suspense shows of recent years.  It is no surprise that this one surfaced on the PBS/WGBH series Mystery!  These shows are complete with introductions and closings by host Diana Rigg herself.

 

The full frame 1.33 X 1 image shows its age with some softness form the video source, though the actual episodes look like they were filmed.  The color consistency suggests that.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has Pro Logic surrounds and sounds good, especially with the ambiance that helps makes the image quality more tolerable.  Sadly, there are no extras for such a good series, though there is a weblink.  Still, why no more on the discs?  Either way, catch Heat Of The Sun if you enjoy mysteries.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo