Relationship between British crime literature and British television was usually very successful and fruitful. The reason is in the specific format of television shows that had allows standalone novel plots to be explored in standalone television films or mini- series rather than many one-hour episodes. This not only provides quality at the expense of quantity, but also gives more room for regular character development. Dalziel and Pascoe, series of BBC films based on the novels by Reginald Hill, is one of the best examples. Two major characters, who were briefly introduced in the opening film, are better explored in An Advancement of Learning, second film in the series, directed in 1996 by Maurice Phillips.
Plot of the film begins with the discovery of a skeleton, apparently buried under the statue on local campus. Detective Superintendent Andrew Dalziel (played by Warren Clarke) comes to investigate and soon discover that the skeleton used to be a school principal, presumably killed in an accident in Austria five years ago. Dalziel assumes that the perpetrators used to be teachers or students and the recent murder of a college student convinces him that the killer still lurks on campus. For Dalziel's subordinate Detective Sergeant Peter Pascoe (played by Colin Buchanan) the campus investigation is an opportunity to spend extra time with his girlfriend Ellie Soper (played by Susannah Corbett) who works as a teacher. Her first-hand knowledge of the campus and local gossip would help sort the potential suspects and lead to the mystery that lies beneath the murders.
An Advancement of Learning provides plenty of opportunity for exploration of two regular characters, especially by pointing out cultural and intellectual differences between the two. Warren Clarke again does excellent job in portraying Dalziel's insecurities hidden behind the facade of tough cynic. He is very rude and obnoxious, but this is only an act, since Dalziel feels great discomfort in being surrounded by members of academia, people who are supposed to be intellectually superior to him. Colin Buchanan is again overshadowed by his senior partner, but his scenes with Corbett's character provide him with an opportunity to be less cold than in the first film. Unfortunately, other actors aren't that effective, with an exception of Prunella Scales who shines as Bible-thumping teacher. Catherine Wilkening (best known for her role in Jesus of Montreal) is wasted in the role of artist with a past, while James D'Arcy overacts in the role of obnoxious student leader. To make things even worse, the whole murder plot is too onvoluted and fantastic to be taken seriously, thus depriving the film of the realism. Yet, with all those flaws An Advancement of Learning is still a pleasant experience for all those accustomed to the high standards of British television.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on October 22nd 2002)
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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/3876-dalziel-and-pascoe?language=en-US
Critic: AA
