Art Detectives

I've watched 4 episodes and it's disappointing. I'm a big fan of British crime dramas, but the stories so far haven't grabbed me. It's a light crime drama led by a serious actor Stephen Moyer, so I expected more. This definitely isn't a "Grace" or even a "Chelsea Detective and not quite a "Shakespeare and Hathaway". Set someplace outside of London, but actually filmed in Ireland, the locations are great.

The character of DC Malik doesn't really work, she acts like she's an equal with DI Palmer when she doesn't have his rank, police experience or art education. That's down to the poor writing. A crime unit of two people really doesn't work, like this series really doesn't work.

The concept of art detectives has so many possibilities, but the plots and dialog just don't match the concept. There are so many great directions this series could go in terms of art and fraud besides murder. If there is a second series I hope the writing improves.

It starts a bit slow, but in these crazy times, I'm enjoying this. Liking the fact that there is none of the annoying infighting and yelling with a superior and/or inferior officer(s), it's just the two detectives working and getting along. Except for an extreme asshole of a father, there are no annoying teenage kids, alcoholism, divorces, just a weekly murder related to art.

There is a sweet ongoing romance between the main detective and a colleague which is refreshing given their maturity. And cute that the younger partner can tease him about it.

I was worried that this might be a rip off of the French show, The Art of Murder, a show where a police detective and art historian team up to solve crimes in Paris. The on and off relationship between the two of them and the fact that the detective, from Paris, knows nothing about art and hates it is annoying.

So, Just pour yourself a cup of tea, relax and enjoy this show.

I really like this show. It's got twists and turns, engaging stories, and it's delightfully cheeky. However, the character of Malik has been written in such a way that she behaves like she's the boss. She's bossy, takes the lead even though it's not her call, and she's very disrespectful to her boss. I don't like that and it puts a very sour taste in my mouth. Other than that I like her character. If they are going to do a series 2, they need to make her more mindful of the hierarchy in their relationship. As it is now, he looks weak and ineffective and she looks unprofessional and unpleasant. Not entertaining at all, especially since he is the main character.

Granted this review is based on the first three episodes, so it could change, but I have to respectfully disagree with Avidviewer-02847 and edyoung-90901.

I found the first three episodes to be intelligent, crisp, deft and witty. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I would encourage others to take a stab at the series.

As long as it is primarily case driven and avoids the temptation to indulge in tick-box family drama, I have high hopes for this. The three episodes thus far have been set in Yorkshire (Portraits and the National Gallery), Gloucester (A Viking dig and artifacts), Cornwall (a listed estate and rock memorabilia).

For those who like comparisons, I would say it's an amalgam of Lovejoy, Dalgliesh and Chelsea Detective. Like Dalgliesh, Art Detectives is also shot in Northern Ireland. What an amazing canvas from which to work.

As the Storyline says, "In the Metropolitan Police's smallest department, the Heritage Crime Unit, an art-loving detective tackles cases connected to the world of art, antiques, collectibles and cultural heritage."

DI Palmer is the head of the Heritage Crime Unit: in point of fact at the beginning of the series he IS the whole of the Heritage Crime Unit. In the first episode, which takes place in Yorkshire, he is paired with DS Malik, a female DS, who is assigned to help Palmer by the regional DI.

DI Palmer reminds me of Bertie Carvel's Dalgliesh, but with a sense of humor to go with gravitas. This is not meant to take anything away from Bertie Carvel's superb portrayal of Dalgliesh -- I am just saying Carvel's is serious, and rightly so, a different variety of the mystery genre. There may also be a bit of Max from Chelsea Detective. Palmer clearly knows his onions, and can notch up the intensity when the case demands it. He is also able to spot talent, separate the genuine from the ersatz (in people as well). He also is willing to listen to input, knows how to be polite, and how to handle hostile forces.

DS Malik reminds me of a combination of Layla Walsh (Chelsea Detective) and Kate Miskin (Dalgliesh). She is keen to learn and has a nascent instinct. It will be fun to watch her grow.

Each episode clearly states why the Heritage Crime Unit are being sent to the case instead of "major crimes or the murder squad." Not sure how edyoung-90901 missed that. Again it is also very clear why in the third episode they were going to commandeer the row boat.

So don't be put off by the other lukewarm reviews. If you like art and mystery, give this a try.

This is definitely my kind of show. Not a lot of gratuitous violence and gore. But good "who dun it" stories that keep my attention. Love Stephen Moyer. Been a fan since True Blood. Nina Singh is a terrific partner for him. She's young but knowledgeable about art. They play well off each other.

The stories are varied, not just paintings but different forms of art. The episode I'm watching now is about wine. Another is about Viking treasure. And another, rare rock memorabilia. All quite interesting and well done.

I truly hope this gets renewed. Shows like this are quite enjoyable for those of us who just want a good mystery to solve without all the "grit".