The Ruth Rendell Mysteries
The series comprises adaptations of the works of Ruth Rendell, many of which are based on her extensive range of short stories. In some cases, the stories were expanded from Rendell's original material or elements from a number of stories were woven together into one episode. A smaller number of episodes were based on Rendell's full-length novels, starring James Callis and Front seat, starring Janet Suzman. There were a total of 55 episodes centering on the Detective Inspector Wexford stories, starring George Baker, Louie Ramsay and Christopher Ravenscroft, and an additional 29 episodes did not feature Wexford.
- 1987-2000
- 12 seasons
- PBS
- Suspense, Drama
- TV-14
The series comprises adaptations of the works of Ruth Rendell, many of which are based on her extensive range of short stories. In some cases, the stories were expanded from Rendell's original material or elements from a number of stories were woven together into one episode. A smaller number of episodes were based on Rendell's full-length novels, starring James Callis and Front seat, starring Janet Suzman. There were a total of 55 episodes centering on the Detective Inspector Wexford stories, starring George Baker, Louie Ramsay and Christopher Ravenscroft, and an additional 29 episodes did not feature Wexford.
Season 5 Episode Guide
11 Episodes 1991
Episode 1
A New Lease of Death: Part One
51 mins
Wexford's first ever successful murder case comes back to haunt him when a vicar starts to rake up the past. Was the man hanged on Wexford's evidence actually innocent?
Episode 2
A New Lease of Death: Part Two
Could Wexford have helped convict an innocent man who was then hanged? The daughter refuses to marry unless her father is cleared. Her fiance and his father pursue the truth though Wexford refuses to help.
Episode 3
A New Lease of Death: Part Three
Wexford is somewhat shaken by discoveries in the old murder case but remains convinced he got the right man. The final solution exposes the secret kept by the convicted murderer's widow.
Episode 4
Murder Being Once Done: Part One
142 mins
Wexford collapses from overwork so is put on a month's leave. Instead of resting though, he decides to go and visit Mike, who is seconded to London. Although he should be resting, Wexford's dreams have drawn him towards Mike's case of a young murdered girl left lying in a vault, and a strong connection to the baby adoption business.
Episode 5
Murder Being Once Done: Part Two
Episode 6
Murder Being Once Done: Part Three
Episode 7
From Doon with Death: Part One
108 mins
Margaret Parsons, a fairly ordinary housewife who, with her water board official husband Ron, has recently moved to Kingsmarkham, is found murdered in a field. Mrs. Parsons led an extremely uneventful life, being a lay preacher, but Inspector Wexford is intrigued when he is looking through her belongings and fine a number of expensive antique books all inscribed 'From Doon to Minna'.Who is Doon?
Episode 8
From Doon with Death: Part Two
Although Mr. Parsons is under the impression that he and his wife knew nobody in Kingsmarkham it turns out that Margaret had two school acquaintances in the town, Helen Missal and Fabia Quadrant, who are now both married to very wealthy men. Wexford assumes that one of these men is Doon, and was having an affair with the victim, but appearances can be deceptive...
Episode 9
Means of Evil: Part One
50 mins
Inspector Wexford is confronted with a murder in a vegetarian family and wonders how many kinds of mushrooms there are.
Episode 10
Means of Evil: Part Two
50 mins
Mike is convinced that Hannah was killed, Reg thinks she took her own life, the pair pursue their own lines of inquiry.
Episode 11
Achilles Heel
103 mins
When Wexford and Burden go on a holiday to France together with their wives, they meet an alluring English couple. Reg becomes transfixed by the wife, and is shocked when he gets back home to hear she has been kidnapped.