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43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely terrific! Crime & passion in 1930's Kenya, July 4, 2003
I first saw this on PBS's Mystery series a couple of years ago and loved it. I was able to tape two of the episodes on a repeat, but I'm holding out hope (most likely in vain) for a DVD release. And Diana Rigg's introductions on the Mystery version add lots of background and period information about some of the real people some of the characters resemble. I assume that this comentary is not included on the VHS release (?). Police Superintendent Albert Tyburn has left England and Scotland Yard for the East African colony of Kenya. He left under a cloud and rumours about why have followed him all the way to Nairobi. He's to head up the newly created Criminal Investigations unit that pompous snob and windbag Police Commissioner Burkitt feels is entirely unnecessary. For Tyburn, "crime is crime" and people are people and his determination to treat the natives with respect along with his refusal to show his "betters" proper deference is a continual irritant to his often lofty suspects. He's also constantly irritating his superior, Burkitt who loathes Tyburn and tells him "you're not one of us and you never will be" - for which Tyburn is eternally grateful! Trevor Eve is fantastic as Tyburn - smart, sexy, wry and sardonic he has no qualms about being unpopular as long as the criminals pay. Then there's aviatrix Emma Fitzgerald (played by the terrific Susannah Harker) an independent woman on the fringe of "polite society" who pilots her own plane for safaris and supply runs. She and Tyburn meet when her sister is murdered in episode one. Their mutual respect and friendship evolves into one of the most understated (but sweet) romances I've ever seen! Great, tight stories, an authentic period atmosphere and wonderful supporting characters in Dr Mueller, Inspector Valentine, Corporal Karendi, Governor Rex Willoughby, decadent party-boy Chico DeVille and the sleazy and villainous Max Van der Vuerst all add up to intelligent and enjoyable viewing. Highly recommended!
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly Enjoyable!, April 19, 2002
I've watched this three-tape series at least three times since purchasing it a few months ago and I just can't get enough of it! From the music score, scenery and characters to the selection of actors, props and locations, this is a thoroughly enjoyable British mystery series. Trevor Eve as Superintendent Tyburn and Michael Byrne as Commissioner Burkitt, to say nothing of Susannah Harker as Emma Fitzgerald, are outstanding as traditional mystery characters. It's a shame that Carlton TV did not produce a follow on reprisal to this fascinating look at Nairobi in 1931. I highly recommend "Heat of the Sun" to anyone who seeks to curl up on a cool winter evening for a good detective yarn.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sensationally entertaining - should have 10 stars!, August 20, 1999
By A Customer
Set in 1930's colonial Kenya, "Heat" is a great series of mysteries with super suprise endings. The location, sets, costumes and dialogue are wonderful, really believable. Special kudos to Trevor Eve, Susannah Harker, Michael Byrne, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Freddie Annobil-Dodoo and David Horvitch. And, thank you very much Mr. Russell and Mr. Prager for your exceptional scripts. Tyburn (Eve), the Scotland Yard detective with a past, as the head of the new criminal investigation unit and Fitzgerald (Harker) as a serenely-calm-in-the-face-of-danger bush pilot are a couple made in mystery heaven. Their principles and morals are in sharp contrast to those of the affluent and decadent Happy Valley expatriates of depression-era Nairobi. Harker's quiet reserve as Fitzgerald plays well off Eve's volatile moody Tyburn who's seen more of the brutal side of life than he'd like. These well drawn characters deal with murder, arson, drugs, kidnaping and more with great humor and style. "This is intelligent entertainment, full of wit, danger and heroism". I relished every episode and look forward to the continuation of this series. Bring back everyone of the "regular" cast - we want more!
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