AGATHA RAISIN - SERIES 3, EPISODE 1: AGATHA RAISIN AND THE HAUNTED HOUSE (ACORN TV)

The third series (four 90-minute episodes) of British mystery comedy-drama Agatha Raisin premiered on U.S. streaming service Acorn TV between Autumn 2019 and Winter 2020.
 

Ex-London PR queen turned detective Agatha Raisin first appeared in a series of mystery novels written by M.C. Beaton (the pseudonym of Marion Chesney), who died in December 2019. Beaton was 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 gave up on a second series but streaming service Acorn TV ordered three new 90-minute episodes, available between Autumn 2018 and Winter 2019. The third series of Agatha Raisin started on Acorn for Halloween 2019 with Agatha Raisin and The Haunted House.

Agatha Raisin is now officially a private investigator and she opens her agency in a former chapel. Despite the help of Roy Silver and a lot of publicity, she still doesn't have a case until James Lacey mentions Ivy Hall. This manor in Hebberdon, owned by Olivia Witherspoon, is said to be haunted by Sir Geoffrey Lamont (murdered in 1651). Regularly annoyed by ghost hunters and those seeking a treasure rumoured to be hidden somewhere on the estate, the cantankerous Mrs Witherspoon is now terrified by some strange phenomena.

Agatha and James convince her that they can solve this mystery. They spend the night at Ivy Hall while Roy and Sarah Bloxby gather information at the local pub, frequented by men dressed for a big battle reenactment which must take place on the property of Sir Charles. DCI Denzel Wilkes takes his role for the event a bit too seriously. Agatha's housekeeper Gemma asked her cousin Toni Gilmour to replace her. Cleaning up is not Toni's forte but she has a very special talent. Olivia Witherspoon is murdered.

Agatha Raisin often feels like a parody of Midsomer Murders. It was true right from The Quiche of Death but it's even more blatant since the two dramas are produced by the same group, All3Media, via different companies. They share producers, writers, directors, guest actors, the same composer (Evan Jolly, who works on Midsomer since Series 21) and their locations look very similar. The pleasant and entertaining Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House was penned by Julia Gilbert, who wrote three excellent Midsomer Murders. 

Ashley Jensen and her co-stars are brilliant in this acknowledged nod to Scooby-Doo, although the availability of the actors seems to be a problem from an episode to another. Toni, played by Jodie Tyack, is a great addition to the gang. Also with Mathew Horne (Roy), Jamie Glover (James Lacey), Jason Merrells (Sir Charles Fraith), Lucy Liemann (Sarah), Matt McCooey (DC Bill Wong), Jason Barnett (DCI Wilkes), Marcia Warren (Mrs Boggle), Mark Aiken (Florian Devere), Richenda Carey (Olivia), Joe Sims (Barry Briar), Clare Holman (Robin Barley), 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. Catherine Mackin exec produces for Acorn Media Enterprises. Produced by Guy Hescott. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Theme composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Cinematography by James Moss.

Directed by Carolina Giametta. Distributed by All3Media International, except for English-speaking territories which are handled by Acorn Media International. 

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2019/06/agatha-raisin-series-2-episodes-2-3.html (Series 2, Episodes 2 and 3)
https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/12/agatha-raisin-series-2-episode-1-wizard.html (Series 2, Episode 1)