Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small star as Inspector Lynley and his associate Barbara Havers in "Playing for the Ashes," the first episode in the second year of this popular series.
Having seen many of the later episodes, I found the relationship between Lynley and Havers more genial and lighthearted, with Lynley in a better mood than he is later on when all his real problems with Helen start. Here, they're just in the predating stage and he doesn't realize what he's in for yet. Never liked that character.
The two are called upon to investigate the death of a cricket champion, beloved by many both personally and professionally. There's his foster mother (Phyllis Logan of "Lovejoy"), his ex-wife, his manager, and his foster mother's daughter Olivia (Neve McIntosh), all of whom adored him. Olivia is mixed up with an animal rights group whose m.o. is similar to the way the cricket player was murdered.
As usual, there are personal issues for both the detectives: Lynley and his attempts to draw Helen into a relationship, and Havers has moved into a new place.
Very good episode.