Murder in Suburbia

An American chap commented earlier that 'This is the *best* whodunit mystery show that I have scene {sic} in years'. He then names some American copper-dramas that he thinks are inferior to this. I don't know the shows to which he refers, so all I can say is, well, if this is 'the *best*' then American television must really be in dire straits. MiS isn't even really a 'whodunit mystery show' at all, is it? I mean, the writing is so weak that it is not unusual for the perpetrator to come out of the attic in the last five minutes of the programme. What ever happened to the principle that the guilty party should be seen -- but not recognised -- in the _first_ five minutes?

Actually, I think the IMDb classification of this programme as Crime/Drama is altogether wrong. I think it should be Crime/Comedy. It's the banter and the inter-personal exchanges that make this programme, not the crime-solving aspect. (Have you noticed, for example, that no one else in the police station ever speaks, except for the three leads?)

This is a fantasy programme and should be appreciated as such. If our Yank friend thinks this is good 'whodunit', then he might well be interested in exploring other of the many -- and many _better_ -- of the British police / crime / mystery series over the years.

cheers,

Henry

I have sampled a lot of series. I can be easily bored, and often I will last through two or three episodes, but then start to lose interest. This is not a slam on the various series, just a quirk with me. (If I'm really going to hate something, I'll know after one episode.)

This show did not follow that pattern with me, as I watched the first six in one sitting. It would be easy, at least as a Yank, to compare this to Midsomer Murders. And it wouldn't be far off to say it is a less over-the-top variation on that show. But that wouldn't be fair, as Caroline Catz and Lisa Faulkner are more believable as partners than either of the Barnabys and their various DSes. One review I saw called this show "wry," and that's a very good word for it. You won't bust out laughing very often (2-3 times per show), but you'll have a smile fixed on your face for the entire viewing.

Murder in Suburbia never takes itself seriously, as one would expect, but it has a certain sophistication nonetheless. Most of all, it is compulsively watchable and as comfortable as your favorite jeans.

Can't miss.

This entertaining 2004 British mystery series takes place in the fictional English town of Middleford. Caroline Catz plays Inspector Kate Ashurst and Lisa Faulkner plays Sergeant Emma Scribbins, two well-dressed, wise-cracking, female detectives who must face a variety of grisly murders in the well-manicured suburban homes of Middleford, but who also are facing an unmarried middle age squarely in the mirror. The crimes they solve are clever and bizarre enough to make them interesting, and the suspects are just trendy and snobby enough that you just know they must be Mac users. Kate's romantic subplot centers on her hapless pursuit of their handsome supervisor, Chief Inspector Sullivan, played by Jeremy Sheffield. Emma's love life is a bit more varied with any number of odd sorts, all having dubious qualities. My wife and I have viewed this series many times and find something new and enjoyable with each viewing. Highly recommended!

Certainly not "deep" or complicated but at least it's not "noir", violent, politically correct or perverse like so many cop shows of late. The two female leads are charming, funny and carry their respective types quite effectively so a bit of brains and sophistication with a dash of beer and chips which works. Sufficiently entertaining enough to make it through 12 episodes at least.

For an American saturated with "CSI," "Law & Order," and their spin-offs and clones, "Murder in Suburbia" is completely refreshing. This is the *best* whodunit mystery show that I have scene in years. The show ran on BBC America here in the U.S., in late 2004 and early 2005.

The show revolves around a Detective Duo: DI Kate 'Ash' Ashurst (Caroline Katz) and DS Emma 'Scribbs' Scribbins (Lisa Faulkner). 'Ash' and 'Scribbs' are both single, young women, with 'Ash' having a higher rank than 'Scribbs.' During each episode, the Duo lament about their single lives, which provides for the lighter moments in the show. Jeremy Sheffield also stars as DCI Sullivan, the Duo's boss.

This is not "CSI" or "Crossing Jordan," where in those series, technology tends to 'solves' the crime more than old-fashioned gumshoe brainpower. Each episode (so far) concentrates on a single murder, rather than two separate murders, which is the usual formula of "CSI" or 'Jordan.' This show is concerned with the mystery of the murder and paints a much fuller picture of the victim's life and situation, than most shows. It also helps that the run time for each episodes about 52 minutes (without commercials) compared to the forty-some minutes for most hour-long U.S. series.

The show is very faithful to the whodunit formula, allowing the viewer to try to solve the crime along with main characters. When the Duo interviews someone, this is not one or two questions, but many questions, which can be in rapid-fire succession, packing a lot more information than most mystery series. Fingerprints and DNA do play a role in the mysteries, but they are secondary to the *WHY* of the murder.

The *WHY* of the murder is the most intriguing aspect of each episode. Each episode shows a hidden layer of suburbia, from sophisticated dating services, real "wife-swapping," hidden pasts, and more.

If you prefer dark and gritty "crime dramas" or are looking for developed main characters, this series is probably not for you. But if you are looking for an intriguing whodunit with a bit of humor and where the mystery is the focus of each episode , this series is for you.