John Madden	...	(Director)
	...	(Writer)
James Grout	...
John Thaw	...
Kevin Whately	...

Summary: This mystery opens with the killing of an inmate (Parnell) who had confessed to five murders and was awaiting trial. However, at the point of death, the inmate recanted his confession regarding the last apparent victim--- a missing young woman whose body was never found even though her handbag was retrieved. The Parnell case had been originally investigated by Chief Inspector Johnson and Sergeant Lewis, with no involvement by Morse. Was Parnell involved in the fifth case or merely a convenient culprit? Morse, who had never been convinced that Parnell had murdered the missing woman, pursues his own independent (and unofficial) inquiries by questioning the man (George) who found the handbag. As a result of Morse's indagation, George is found murdered shortly afterwards and a sordid mixture of factors emerge (pornography, adultery, and possible rape and blackmail) which may be relevant to his death and the case of the missing woman. We are presented with several possible suspects and paths of inquiry as the two cases intersect. This installment in the series is particularly satisfying in that the viewer is kept guessing until the end when the relevant issues are fully clarified. One aspect of this mystery which distinguishes it from the other Morse episodes is the degree to which Morse and Lewis clash--- as Lewis expresses pent up resentment over what he regards as characteristically arrogant and unappreciative treatment by the Chief Inspector. Ultimately, their relationship is affirmed as their collaborative efforts resolve the intertwined cases.