La Rochelle

So far, I've only watched the first episode on Britbox. We'll see how the rest of the episodes far before I make a judgement of the overall series.

The older I get, the more tired I grow of the dark, depressing mystery shows coming out of England. Sometimes I want something lighter and easier to watch.

I will admit after the first 15 minutes I was ready to throw in the towel, and I'm glad I didn't because it got better.

The closing rendition of the old Monkees tune "Daydream Believer" left a nice feeling behind.

Recommended.

Is it ground breaking? No. Is it the best murder mystery show ever made? No. But it is certainly entertaining. It does not take itself seriously, does not plod on and has decent twists and turns.

The first episode was decent. The scenery is fantastic. Of course one can pick apart so many things. Like how does the main character interact with the eventual suspects and victims in a boat the size of a small town. But that would be nitpicky. If you are looking for a good time waster this is the show.

The chemistry between him and the captain lady is good. Not sure if they will become an item but it would be good if they dont.

On to the second episode. Hopefully the mysteries get more interesting.

Ok I don't care about other reviewers rubbishing this. It doesn't pretend to be Line of Duty or Happy Valley. It's a light hearted mystery wrapped up within an hour. Put on your PJs, slippers, make a cup of tea (or a pina colada to get in the mood) and sit back on a cold winters night and imagine being on a ship visiting exotic locations, sun, sand, good food and a mystery murder to solve. Times are difficult for some now and the escapism this offers is most welcome.

The main actor plays an ex detective who is now a ship crooner/entertainer. He is very charming and charismatic in this role and I really enjoy the theme song as well. Every episode is set in a different country or location. I understand that a Christmas special and another season is being planned and that is terrific news. Can't wait.

Ex Detective turned cruise ship singer Jack Grayling teams up with first Officer Kate Woods on board a luxury cruising ship headed did La Rochelle.

So it may not be the greatest first episode ever, but it sets the scene, introduces us to the characters and the format of the show, plus we get to hear Shayne Ward.

It's essentially a dupe of Mallorca Files, and that's no bad thing, we have the will they or won't they thing between the two lead characters, and as viewers we're treated to plenty of eye candy, plenty of scenery, and a mildly interesting mystery.

Don't expect Poirot or Morse, it's not that, this is perfect Sunday teatime viewing, another one of those to pop in and enjoy sandwiches and scones.

6/10.

This is simply awful, a desperate attempt at the 'weekly murder in the sun' genre without the charm of Midsomer or the humour of Death in Paradise. Shayne Ward is sweet, if unlikely, as a retired policeman turned night club singer, but Catherine Tyldesley is a clunker as first mate. The absolute lack of actual police procedure and the glaring obviousness of the killer's identity only added to the heavy handed awkwardness. I would suggest you avoid this at all costs unless you're just trying to decide whether a cruise holiday is for you. The boat was very shiny, but floating petrie dishes aren't my thing.