The mystery itself is unmemorable, but that's okay. Instead, we get more of a focus on the characters. This episode pares it down to the basics - lots of Morse and Lewis banter, a reasonably-paced investigation, not too many suspects, a crazy-complex solution (but, for once, fairly comprehensible.) Max has made his exit, and Morse's first multiple-episode love interest has appeared in the person of Dr. Russell. She is a sort of Laura Hobson prototype, but doesn't get too much time here, since this is really a buddy- cop episode.
Lewis, usually Morse's long-suffering dogsbody, manages to not only get in quite a few zingers at his grumpy boss, but essentially solve the case. He refuses to let favoritism (towards, say, beautiful rich women) cloud his vision. Thaw and Whately are at their best here, having by now established a solid rapport. Also very good is the chilly lady of the manor.