Monday, 31 December 2018
Thursday, 13 December 2018
AGATHA RAISIN - SERIES 2, EPISODE 1: THE WIZARD OF EVESHAM (ACORN TV)
Former London PR queen turned amateur sleuth Agatha Raisin returns to Carsely, a picturesque village in the Costwolds region. Soon she faces a hair problem and, of course, a murder case.Agatha Raisin first appeared in a series of mystery novels written by M.C. Beaton (the pseudonym of Marion Chesney), who's also the author of the Hamish Macbeth books. Penelope Keith played the character for BBC Radio 4 from 2004 to 2006. In 2014, Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty, Extras) starred in the title role of Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, a fun, fast-paced and charming Christmas special aired on Sky 1. Following the success of The Quiche of Death, Sky commissioned a 8 X 60-minute series aired from June to July 2016. In France, Agatha Raisin was shown by pubcaster France 3.
Sky 1 chose not to commission a second series but streaming service Acorn TV ordered three 90-minute episodes, based on the novels The Wizard of Evesham, The Fairies of Fryham and The Case of the Curious Curate. Written by Julia Gilbert (Midsomer Murders) and directed by Roberto Bangura, The Wizard of Evesham premiered on November 19. Agatha Raisin is back from Cyprus where everything went wrong for her and James Lacey. She founds the Carsely Single Ladies Society with Gemma Simpson (Katy Wix) and Roy Silver (Mathew Horne). When the obnoxious Deirdra Darry (Caroline Loncq) mocks her hairdo, Aggie turns to Jonny Shawpart (James Lance).
The ladies praise this new stylist in the nearby village of Evesham but who blackmails some of Jonny's clients? Carsely's Miss Marple investigates when death strikes at Salon JS. Sarah Bloxby (Lucy Liemann) goes undercover, Sir Charles (Jason Merrells) becomes a "violent psycho" for Agatha and DCI Wilkes (Jason Barnett) has a stroke of genius. Though this second series is also available as six 45-minute installments, the TV movie format suits better to Agatha Raisin. Hilarious moments and a talented cast make The Wizard of Evesham great, even with a predictable plot. Ashley Jensen and Mathew Horne are a wonderful duo and Jason Barnett's Wilkes is definitely one the best British TV comedy cops ever.
Also with Matt McCooey (DC Bill Wong), Marcia Warren (Mrs Boggle), Kate Lamb (Liza Friendly), Andrea Lowe (Eve Pembery), Asan N'jie (Gaz Towler), etc. Produced by Free@Last TV and Company Pictures (an all3media company). Co-produced by Acorn Media Enterprises (a division of RLJ Entertainment, Inc.). Barry Ryan and David A. Walton exec produce for Free@Last TV. Michele Buck exec produces for Company Pictures. Shane Murphy exec produces for Acorn Media Enterprises. Produced by Guy Hescott (Midsomer Murders). Ian Strachan is the line producer. Music composed by Evan Jolly. Theme composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Cinematography by Al Beech.
The new series is distributed by all3media International, except for English-speaking territories, which are handled by Acorn Media International. Sky bought Series 2 for the U.K. and Ireland. The Fairies of Fryfam will debut on December 24 and The Curious Curate will be released in January 2019.
https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2018/01/sky-one-cancels-agatha-raisin-acorn-tv-steps-order-second-season/
https://www.iheartbritishtv.com/interview-with-ashley-jensen-from-agatha-raisin/
http://evanjollymusic.com/
[Update - June 19, 2019]
A review of Episodes 2 and 3:
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