With the help of DS John Bacchus, Inspector George Gently spends his days bringing to justice members of the criminal underworld who are unfortunate enough to have the intrepid investigator assigned to their cases.

The show throws Chief Inspector George Gently into a maelstrom of murders and mayhem, whilst lovingly recreating the Swinging Sixties as it finally hits the North-East in perfect and nostalgic detail. He and his sidekick, ambitious and undisciplined Detective Sergeant John Bacchus make the perfect police partnership, full of warmth and humour.—Anonymous

Detective Chief Inspector George Gently is one of the star detectives of Scotland Yard, a man of conviction, not afraid to expose corruption in police ranks. When his wife is murdered he decides to retire from the force. However, the man believed responsible for her death spotted in the North East of England, he transfers to the area. Assigned to him is a local detective, Detective Sergeant Bacchus. They could not be more different.—grantss