Masterpiece Mystery 2010 Schedule

PBS has finally, finally released the upcoming Masterpiece Mystery schedule. I am absolutely thrilled with this schedule:

FOYLE’S WAR
Michael Kitchen returns as Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle in three brand new episodes of the acclaimed series. It is June 1945, and VE Day has been celebrated in Britain. The state of the country, however, is far from jubilant in the aftermath of war. Keen to retire, but bound to his old job by the steep rise in violent crime that swept the country, Foyle is thrust into the dangerous worlds of international conspiracy and execution, military racism and national betrayal. He must feel his way through this new world as he faces some of his toughest challenges and gripping plots to date. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

May 2 Foyle’s War, Series VI: “The Russian House”
May 9 Foyle’s War, Series VI: “Killing Time”
May 16 Foyle’s War, Series VI: “The Hide”

MISS MARPLE
Julia McKenzie is back in the role of Agatha Christie’s spinster sleuth, pursuing a series of new crimes and dark occurrences. Appearances by Hugh Bonneville (Filth, Ms. Austen Regrets) and Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous) round out the stellar cast. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

May 23 Miss Marple, Series V: “The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side”
Jun. 6 Miss Marple, Series IV: “A Pocket Full of Rye” (Encore)
Jun 13 Miss Marple, Series IV: “Murder is Easy” (Encore)
Jun 20 Miss Marple, Series V: “The Secret of Chimneys”
Jun 27 Miss Marple, Series V: “The Blue Geranium”

HERCULE POIROT
David Suchet reprises his role as suave detective Hercule Poirot in three new episodes. Whether he’s on holiday or simply going about his business near his London home, Poirot finds himself exercising his “little grey cells” by helping police investigate crimes and murders…whether they ask for his help or not. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

Jul 11 Hercule Poirot, Series X: “Murder on the Orient Express”
Jul 18 Hercule Poirot, Series X: “The Third Girl”
Jul 25 Hercule Poirot, Series X: “Appointment with Death”
Aug 1 Hercule Poirot, Series IX: “Cat Among the Pigeons” (Encore)

INSPECTOR LEWIS
Kevin Whately returns for a third season as Inspector Lewis in five new episodes. Once again joined by Laurence Fox (A Room with a View) as Lewis’ young partner DS Hathaway, the detectives continue solving cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

Aug 8 Inspector Lewis, Series II: “Allegory of Love” (Encore)
Aug 15 Inspector Lewis, Series II: “Quality of Mercy” (Encore)
Aug 22 Inspector Lewis, Series II: “Point of Vanishing” (Encore)
Aug 29 Inspector Lewis, Series III: “Counter Culture Blues”

Additional Lewis titles to be announced.
 
You can watch a preview of the new season here. It looks like the schedule is not yet finalized (the Lewis series III eps have apparently not all been assigned broadcast dates yet) since the preview mentions the modern-day Sherlock series and Wallander series II. Perhaps those shows will be incorporated in the Contemporary season? We'll have to wait and see. :) Right now I'm most excited about the return of Foyle's War which is one of the best shows EVER. Seriously.