“What Lies Tangled,” the final episode of Lewis, saw the Oxford detectives investigate the complex murder of a celebrated Classics professor while grappling with personal anxieties about their future together. The case, rife with academic rivalries and hidden identities, ultimately revealed a tragic story of revenge and buried secrets, forcing Lewis and Hathaway to confront their own professional and personal crossroads.
The Web of Intrigue: Dissecting “What Lies Tangled”
“What Lies Tangled,” the ninth and final series’ final episode, aired in 2015 and brought the curtain down on the popular British crime drama. It wasn’t just a procedural investigation; it was a poignant exploration of closure and legacy. The episode centered around the murder of Professor Diana Ellerby, a respected figure in the Classics department at Oxford. Her death triggered a chain of events that exposed a hidden network of deceit, betrayal, and longstanding grudges within the academic community.
The initial investigation pointed towards Professor Ellerby’s colleague, Dr. Adam Capstone, with whom she had a turbulent professional relationship. Capstone, struggling with his own academic credibility and overshadowed by Ellerby’s success, seemed a likely suspect. However, as Lewis and Hathaway delved deeper, they uncovered a far more intricate narrative.
The investigation broadened to include other members of the Classics department, including the enigmatic research assistant, Miriam Baker. Miriam’s quiet demeanor concealed a sharp intellect and a potentially deep-seated resentment towards Ellerby. Further complicating matters was the revelation of a past scandal involving Ellerby and a former student, a scandal that threatened to unravel the reputations of several prominent figures.
The episode’s brilliance lay in its skillful weaving together of the murder investigation with the characters’ personal journeys. Lewis, contemplating retirement, faced the prospect of leaving behind the work that defined him. Hathaway, grappling with his own intellectual demons and an undefined future, was forced to confront his vulnerabilities. Their partnership, the heart of the series, was subtly tested as they navigated their uncertain paths.
In a dramatic climax, the true killer was revealed to be Miriam Baker. Fueled by a decades-old secret involving her mother and Professor Ellerby, Miriam sought revenge for a past injustice. The revelation not only solved the murder but also exposed the corrosive power of secrets and the enduring impact of past actions.
Decoding the Key Elements
The Murder of Professor Ellerby
The murder of Professor Ellerby served as the catalyst for the episode’s central narrative. Her death was not a random act of violence but a meticulously planned execution motivated by a desire for retribution. The investigation revealed a complex web of relationships, rivalries, and hidden agendas within the Classics department.
The Hidden Identities and Secrets
“What Lies Tangled” was replete with concealed identities and long-buried secrets. These secrets, spanning decades, played a crucial role in shaping the events leading to Professor Ellerby’s murder. The revelation of these secrets highlighted the destructive power of deception and the enduring consequences of past actions.
Lewis and Hathaway’s Personal Journeys
Beyond the murder investigation, the episode delved into the personal lives of Lewis and Hathaway. Lewis’s contemplation of retirement and Hathaway’s struggle with his intellectual abilities provided a poignant backdrop to the crime-solving narrative. Their personal journeys added depth and complexity to the episode, highlighting the human cost of their demanding profession.
The Climactic Revelation
The climax of “What Lies Tangled” was a masterclass in suspense and drama. The unmasking of Miriam Baker as the killer was both shocking and emotionally resonant. Her motive, rooted in a desire for revenge, underscored the episode’s themes of justice, retribution, and the enduring power of the past.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries Further
Here are some frequently asked questions about “What Lies Tangled” and the Lewis series finale:
1. What was Miriam Baker’s motive for killing Professor Ellerby?
Miriam Baker’s motive stemmed from a decades-old secret involving her mother and Professor Ellerby. Ellerby had been involved in a past incident that resulted in Miriam’s mother losing her job and suffering significant personal hardship. Miriam sought revenge for this injustice, believing that Ellerby had ruined her mother’s life.
2. Why was Adam Capstone initially considered a suspect?
Adam Capstone was initially considered a suspect due to his professional rivalry with Professor Ellerby. He was struggling with his own academic credibility and felt overshadowed by her success. Their turbulent relationship made him a person of interest in the early stages of the investigation.
3. What role did the past scandal play in the episode’s plot?
The past scandal involving Professor Ellerby and a former student added another layer of complexity to the episode’s plot. It revealed a history of questionable behavior within the Classics department and implicated several prominent figures. The scandal threatened to unravel reputations and provided potential motives for multiple suspects.
4. How did Lewis and Hathaway work together to solve the case?
Lewis and Hathaway relied on their contrasting strengths to solve the case. Lewis brought his years of experience and intuitive understanding of human nature, while Hathaway provided his intellectual prowess and analytical skills. Their contrasting approaches complemented each other, allowing them to piece together the complex puzzle and ultimately identify the killer.
5. What were Lewis’s thoughts on retirement in the final episode?
Lewis was deeply conflicted about retirement in “What Lies Tangled.” He enjoyed his work and found purpose in solving crimes, but he also recognized the need to move on and embrace a new chapter in his life. The episode explored his anxieties about leaving behind the work that defined him and his uncertainty about what the future held.
6. How did Hathaway’s character develop throughout the series?
Hathaway’s character evolved significantly throughout the Lewis series. He began as a somewhat enigmatic and introverted figure, but gradually opened up and revealed his vulnerabilities. He grappled with his intellectual demons, his faith, and his personal relationships. The final episode highlighted his growth and his growing acceptance of his own limitations.
7. Did the episode address the possibility of a romantic relationship between Lewis and Hobson?
While the series never explicitly depicted a romantic relationship between Lewis and Dr. Laura Hobson, the episode subtly hinted at the possibility. There were moments of tenderness and affection between them, suggesting a deep bond that went beyond professional courtesy. The ambiguous nature of their relationship left room for interpretation and added a layer of emotional complexity to the episode.
8. What was the significance of the episode’s title, “What Lies Tangled”?
The title, “What Lies Tangled,” perfectly captured the episode’s central themes. It referred to the web of secrets, lies, and relationships that were intertwined and concealed beneath the surface. The tangled web of deceit ultimately led to Professor Ellerby’s murder and exposed the dark underbelly of the academic community.
9. Were there any major clues that pointed to Miriam Baker as the killer?
While Miriam Baker initially appeared to be a quiet and unassuming figure, there were subtle clues throughout the episode that hinted at her involvement. Her knowledge of the past scandal, her access to information, and her controlled demeanor all suggested that she was hiding something. However, these clues were cleverly concealed, making her revelation as the killer a genuine surprise.
10. How did the episode handle the themes of justice and revenge?
“What Lies Tangled” explored the complex relationship between justice and revenge. Miriam Baker’s actions were motivated by a desire for revenge, but her pursuit of retribution ultimately led to further tragedy. The episode questioned whether revenge could ever truly bring closure or whether it simply perpetuated a cycle of violence.
11. What made “Lewis” such a popular crime drama?
Lewis resonated with audiences due to its intelligent writing, complex characters, and atmospheric setting. The show expertly balanced crime-solving with personal drama, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant viewing experience. The chemistry between Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox, as Lewis and Hathaway, was also a key factor in the show’s success.
12. Why was “What Lies Tangled” chosen as the series finale?
“What Lies Tangled” served as a fitting conclusion to the Lewis series because it brought closure to the characters’ personal journeys while delivering a compelling and suspenseful crime story. The episode allowed Lewis and Hathaway to confront their own futures and leave the audience with a sense of resolution. It was a poignant and satisfying ending to a beloved television series.