Episode #1.2

The Madame Blanc Mysteries really comes across as Shakespeare & Hathaway lite in this one.

The Saturday evening primetime slot also seems odd.

Jean's investigation about her husband's death takes a back seat.

She takes on a case of an elderly French woman is looking for a valuable treasure. A gift from her mother as she was forcible separated by the Nazis from her brother and mother during world war 2.

The village is also excited as a British television producer shows up looking for couples for his popular lifestyle show. Judith thinks she will be tailor made.

Somehow it was just too light and frothy. It was too much of a step to take that Jean can suddenly go sleuthing even though she has knowledge of antiques.

A slushy trite plot with little substance, like a vapid soap opera with vacuous dialogue and a weak non-story as a centrepiece. The mysterious cigarette smoker sat in a car watching is there of course, that may have some interest, yet it remains unexplored.

I really like the war time main puzzle and the village story is right up to date for contrast. First time round, I found the latter quite the turn off, but having got to know the regular characters better over three seasons, I'm more sympathetic to their attitudes and actions. There's a lot packed into this short format episode - the mystery, side plot, season crime arc and a budding romance. Overall, The Madame Blanc Mysteries really is a show of two halves - some things are excellent and original whilst others are done-to-death, really awkward (intentionally) or a bit of a stretch (not intentionally). I am glad I stuck with it so far, although I will skip some episodes this time around.

Was impressed by the first episode, but the acting and characters in the second episode detract from the unfortunately weak storyline. Will not bother with the rest of the series.

The village locals are excited when TV producer Miles arrives looking for candidates for a TV series about Brits in France. Jean is tasked with hunting down the missing brother of an elderly French lady.

Great second episode, I could honestly sit and watch the lot, I loved this second one, I enjoyed all elements, the mystery, the story of the ring, and of course the locals desperate to get a bit of fame.

It's the perfect mix of mystery and humour, it works so well, you can see the direction Jean is heading in, she'll be an amateur private Detective soon.

I'm convinced the mystery woman is the one that Jean spoke to on the plane.

How wonderful to see Felicite du Jeu, possibly best known for her role as Stella Goodman in the much missed Waking the dead.

8/10.