Hetty Wainthropp Investigates – The Complete Third Series

 

Picture: C+     Sound: B-     Extras: C-     Episodes: B-

 

 

Patricia Rutledge is back as Hetty Wainthropp Investigates more murder in The Complete Third Series, one so successful that you get nine (versus six) more hour-long slotted shows as the series picked up.  The episodes this time are:

 

1)     All Stitched Up

2)     Daughter of The Regiment

3)     Serving The Community

4)     Fisticuffs

5)     Childsplay

6)     Pursuit by Proxy

7)     A Minor Operation

8)     Helping Hansi

9)     How Time Flies

 

 

As expected, the ABC series Lost came out on DVD in its first season (reviewed elsewhere on this site) and was a huge hit, thanks in part to Dominic Monaghan, who again plays Hetty’s assistant.  That may inspire a fan of his to want to see at least one of these shows.   The actual mystery tales continue to be decent, if typical, but they are also comic and well cast.  They should start with the first set, while mystery fans should start with the pilot telefilm, both reviewed elsewhere on this site.  However, if you want a box set, getting three more episodes with this set is tempting, so one who has not seen this series needs to mull over the decision well.

 

The 1.33 X 1 aspect ratio is consistent with the quality of the episode from the first sets.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo once again has Pro Logic surround in all cases, so playback quality and performance is comparable with those first boxes.  Extras include production notes and filmographies on DVD 1, but that again is sadly all.  Monaghan is getting older and all the regulars have worked into their roles very well.  Hetty Wainthropp Investigates is a fun, smart detective series that can only grow in popularity.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo