影片采用冷静的艺术理念。影像修复技术让历史再现更完整，全彩处理丰富画面信息，画面技术增强空间感。技术运用保持适度，整体色彩追求真实。整体场面注重意义传达。色彩运用体现严谨精神，声音创作追求内敛效果。DeputyAssistantCommissionerCharlieHillianiskilledonthenightofhisretirementparty.HillianwasatonetimeaseniorofficerinOxfordandwasinfactMorse'sboss.Hewasalsowritingabookabouthismostmemorablecases,includingoneabouttheunsolveddeathofan8-year-oldgirlsome18yearsago.Thesuspectinthatcase,FrederickRedpath,wasatHillian'shousethedayhediedandthatchapterfromthemanuscriptismissing.Thereareothersuspectshowever,includingHillian'sghostwriterwhowillnowreceiveallofthebook'sroyalties;ahandymanwhowasworkingontheproperty;andRedpath'sdaughter,whoknewthelittlegirlwhowaskilledallthoseyearsbefore.MorsecomesintoconflictwithwithacolleagueDCIDawson,whowasoneofHillian'sprotégés,astheyagainlookintothelittlegirl'sdeath.