P.D. James: Death of an Expert Witness

P.D. James: Death of an Expert Witness is a critically acclaimed television mini-series, brought to viewers by Anglia Television back in 1983. It evolves around a gripping classic murder mystery, brilliantly adapted from P.D. James's popular 1977 novel of the same name. Gripping from its onset, the series intricately unfolds the mysterious murder of an expert witness in a forensic laboratory, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its intriguing run.

The series boasts a talented cast that elegantly bring P.D. James's enticing characters to life. Under the expert guidance of director Herbert Wise, the performances are understated yet compelling, in line with the traditional British mystery genre, brimming with suspense and a touch of the eerie. The ingenious screenplay by Robin Chapman brings the intricate plot and numerous characters intimately and coherently onto the small screen.

Set in a small unnamed town in East Anglia, the narrative opens up around the forensic science laboratory, which gets thrust into disarray following the murder of Dr. Lorrimer, an expert witness. There, the seemingly invisible world of microscopic evidence forms the heart of the story, where every piece of physical evidence can either reveal or complicate the trails leading to the unknown murderer. This environment adds a rich and unusual background that compliment and intensify the pressure-cooker atmosphere inherent in traditional murder mysteries.

The mini-series focuses on the meticulous investigation led by Commander Adam Dalgliesh, a policeman-poet character well-loved by P.D. James's readers. Dalgliesh is brilliantly portrayed by Roy Marsden, who instils the character with an intriguing depth, combining thoughtful introspection with unerring investigative precision. His gentle, cerebral style of detective work diverges from the hard-nosed clichés often associated with the genre, offering viewers a refreshing take on the classic detective persona.

Dalgliesh's investigation takes him on a journey through the complex interrelations and rivalries within the forensic lab and the wider local community. His calm and steady dissection of the lives and secrets of the lab's staff gradually leads him to the murderer's identity. Throughout the series, Dalgliesh's poetic soul provides a unique point of view that probes into the human condition, exposing personal ambitions, fears, and hidden agendas.

The series is also notable for its strong supporting cast, who brilliantly portray the diverse characters in James's book. Each character, whether the ambitious director of the laboratory, the quietly competent lab workers, or the local police force, is complex and memorable. They are fully fleshed out, with their personal narratives beautifully weaving in and out of the primary murder mystery plot.

P.D. James: Death of an Expert Witness also features beautiful location shooting in East Anglia. The cinematography impeccably captures the local landscape's distinctive charm, using it as an evocative backdrop for the engaging narrative. The airy spaces of the East Anglian landscapes, the narrow confines of the suburb community, and the sterile atmosphere of the laboratory all contribute to the multi-layered ambiance of the series.

The overall tone of the mini-series remains true to P.D. James's original work. While the series has its share of tension and dramatic climaxes, it tempers these with a sense of intimacy and realism that brings the characters to life. Viewers familiar with P.D. James’s writing will appreciate the masterful translation of her storytelling to the small screen. For new audiences, this mini-series provides an engaging introduction to James's nuanced world.

In conclusion, P.D. James: Death of an Expert Witness is not just another murder mystery. It’s a vivid portrayal of a diverse set of characters tied into a compelling mystery that forces them to face their own consciences. It’s a slow-burning, character-driven whodunit that offers the viewers regular moments of suspense interspersed with meticulous examinations of the human heart's darkest corners. It's an engagingly polished production from Anglia Television that remains a must-watch for anyone fond of brilliantly-executed British mysteries.