SIGNORA VOLPE - SERIES 1, EPISODE 1: AN ANXIOUS AUNT (ACORN TV)

Emilia Fox, star of the long-running Silent Witness for the BBC, plays a superspy named Sylvia Fox (!) sleuthing in the postcard Italy of Signora Volpe.

 

This pleasant 3 x 90-minute detective drama started this month on the SVOD service Acorn TV .

« Well, goodbye Signora Fox. Or should I say Signora Volpe? 

- Sounds better in Italian.

- Everything sounds better in Italian. »

 

Sylvia Fox is a high-ranking MI6 executive. A disagreement with her superiors prompts her to take a few days leave and go to Italy, where her sister Isabel lives, to attend the wedding of her niece Alice. For her family, Sylvia is a "boring civil servant" with a dull diplomatic career. But when Alice's fiancé disappears and a dead body is found near his house, Sylvia uses her spy skills and contacts to investigate. Captain Giovanni Riva, of the local Carabinieri, suspects that the "Signora Volpe" ("Volpe" means Fox in Italian) is more than what she pretends to be. 

 

Emilia Fox as The Equalizer solving mysteries in some superb Italian locations (the Lazio and Umbria regions) is obviously the main reason to watch Signora Volpe. The series was created by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths (Midsomer Murders), who wrote the three feature-length episodes. The plot of the premiere is a pretext to introduce the fantastic Miss Sylvia Fox and a sample of her many talents. Tara Fitzgerald (Belgravia, Game of Thrones) plays Isabel Vitale. Sylvia's ex-husband Adam Haines, who's a MI6 spy too, is played by Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica). Giovanni Cirfierra (Ford v Ferrari, American Crime Story) is Capitano Riva.

With Matteo Carlomagno (Matteo Vitale), Issy Knopfler (Alice Shepherd), Imma Piro (The Bastards of Pizzofalcone) as Antonella Vitale, Mehdi Meskar (Samir Hamdani), Marianne Leoni (Raffaella Tasso), Luigi Di Fiore (Ercole Guerra), Orlando Cinque (Romanzo criminale: La serie) as Richelmo Gregori, Giulio Corso (Tomasso Rossi), Gianni D'Addario (Monterossi - La serie) as Enrico Ferluga, Souad Faress (Dame Felicity Morris), Buket Komur (Rabia Yacoub), Cristina Moglia (Carla Galli), etc. Directed by Dudi Appleton (Silent Witness). Co-produced by Route 24 Ltd and Acorn Media Enterprises (A division of AMC Networks).

 

Exec produced by Josie Law & Marc Samuelson (Route 24), Rachel Cuperman & Sally Griffiths, Catherine Mackin & Bea Tammer (Acorn Media Enterprises) and Dudi Appleton & Emilia Fox. Produced by Patricia Rybarczyk. Productions services by Cattleya (Cristina Giubbetti exec produces for the company). Music by Anne Dudley. Cinematography by Michael Lavelle ISC. Editing by Dan Farrell. Production designed by Cinzia Lo Fazio. Costumes designed by Claudette Lilly. Titles designed by Matt Curtis and produced by Matt Lawrence. Made with the assistance of the Italian Tax Credit (Law N. 244 of December 24, 2007). Distributed by Banijay Rights.

https://nypost.com/2022/05/02/how-emilia-fox-morphs-into-signora-volpe-in-new-mystery-series/

https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/silentwitness25-post1

THE CHELSEA DETECTIVE - SERIES 1, EPISODE 1: THE WAGES OF SIN (ACORN TV)

[Favourite of the Month] A man is killed by a tube train in the poshest borough of London. Did he jump on the tracks or was he pushed? If he jumped Detective Inspector Max Arnold will have less paperwork to do.

 

The Chelsea Detective is a brilliant 4 x 90-minute mystery drama from the SVOD service Acorn TV.

The talented Adrian Scarborough (Bloods, Gavin and Stacey) stars as the grumpy, coffee loving DI Max Arnold in this series created by Peter Fincham. Borned and raised in Chelsea, Max travels around the borough by bike. His father, a local bookshop owner, recently passed away and he's just separated from his wife Astrid. She stays in their flat so he lives in a houseboat on Cheyne Walk. Arnold is a shrewd investigator and he hates unnecessary paperwork because he's dyslexic. His police partner is the clever DC Priya Shamsie, played by Sonita Henry (Krypton, Luther), who returns from maternity leave.

In The Wages of Sin, superbly penned by scriptwriter Glen Laker (Prime Suspect 1973, Vera), a stonemason named Andrew Knightley is frightened by something written on the mirror of his living room: The wages of sin is death. He wanders to the South Kensington underground station in a state of confusion and ends up under a train. The detectives discover that this devoutly religious man, who worked at the Brompton Cemetery, was pushed. Max and Astrid have a "custody battle" over a coffee machine. Priya shares her new mum anxiety with her husband. Richard Signy (Death in Paradise, Doctors) directed the episode.

 

Adrian Scarborough's DI Arnold joins the great British TV detectives right from the start. Sonita Henry is excellent, as well as the other members of the regular cast: Peter Bankolé (DC Connor Pollock), Lucy Phelps (DC Jess Lombard), Sophie Stone (Chief Forensics officer Ashley Wilton), Davood Ghadami as Nitin Shamsie and Anamaria Marinca (Sex Traffic) as Astrid Fischer. Seen in Shetland, The Crown or Doctor Who, Sophie Stone was the first deaf person to enter the prestigious RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in 2005. Frances Barber (Whitstable Pearl) guest stars as Olivia Arnold, Max's aunt.

 

Also with James Boyland (Nicholas Hewitt), Alfie Deegan (Jake Turner), Amy Griffiths (Rebecca Knightley), Bryony Hannah (Call the Midwife) as Erin Murphy, Richard Hope (Andrew Knightley), Taj Kandula (Joanne), Peter Landi (Davinson Clarke), etc. Produced by Expectation and Acorn Media Enterprises (A division of AMC Networks) with Germany's ZDF and BBC Studios Distribution. Exec produced by Peter Fincham (Expectation), Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer (Acorn Media Enterprises), Wolfgang Feindt (ZDF) and Catherine Stone (BBC Studios Distribution).  Ella Kelly (Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators, Midsomer Murders) is the producer.

 

The beautiful music was composed by Ian Arber. Cinematography by Rob Kitzmann. Editing by David Barrett. Sophie Allen and Paul Michaels are the BSL (British Sign Language) interpreters. Made with the support of HM Treasury and DCMS' Film and TV Production Restart Scheme. Distributed by BBC Studios, The Chelsea Detective was filmed during spring 2021 in some stunning London locations. The series is available weekly in the U.K. since February 7th and it will premiere in the U.S. and Canada one month later.

 

https://www.glenlaker.com/

https://www.whattowatch.com/features/the-chelsea-detective-gavin-and-stacey-star-adrian-scarborough-on-his-exciting-new-role

https://www.ianarber.com/ 

See also:

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

https://www.british-sign.co.uk/

AGATHA RAISIN - SERIES 4, EPISODE 1: KISSING CHRISTMAS GOODBYE (ACORN TV)

Agatha Raisin, the British mystery comedy-drama, returned last Christmas on U.S. streaming service Acorn TV with Kissing Christmas Goodbye. This feature-length episode is the first of the fourth series. The rest will follow next month (1).

 

Ashley Jensen (After Life, Catastrophe) plays the title role, an ex-London PR queen turned private investigator. 

Agatha Raisin and Roy Silver (played by Mathew Horne) argue about the celebration of Christmas so she tells him to organize it this year.  Phyllis Tamworthy, who owns the imposing Lower Tapor Manor and the village of Lower Tapor itself, wants the detective's protection. The old lady has decided to give the whole estate to a charity and she thinks the villagers, who hate her, and her family won't like the news. Aggie and Roy can't prevent her to be murdered soon after her announcement during an unpleasant evening. Sarah Bloxby (Lucy Liemann) is the new vicar. Toni Gilmour (Jodie Tyack) is taking driving lessons with the unfortunate Sir Charles (Jason Merrells) and she infiltrates a group of Satan worshippers! DS Bill Wong (Matt McCooey) leads the police investigation while DCI Wilkes is in Lapland. Mrs Boggle (Marcia Warren) is Agent 13 from Get Smart.

Adapted from the novel Kissing Christmas Goodbye by M.C. Beaton, this nice Advent calendar was penned by Julia Gilbert and helmed by Matt Carter. Both also work for Midsomer Murders (like music composer Evan Jolly) and it shows. The absence of Jason Barnett (Wilkes) is regrettable but Mathew Horne has a lot of fun lines and the fight at the end is totally zany. With Phil Nichols (Paul Chambers), Jo Wickham (Elsie Shufflebottom), Tim Woodward (Fred Instick), Maggie McCarthy (Phyllis Tamworthy), Kevin Bishop (Jeffrey Tamworthy), Zoë Telford (Sadie Tamworthy), Emerald O'Hanrahan (Alison Tamworthy), Emma Cunniffe (Fran Tamworthy) and Janine Duvitski (Doris Crampton). Produced by Free@Last TV and Company Pictures (an All3Media company).

Co-produced by Acorn Media Enterprises (a division of AMC Networks).  Barry Ryan and David A. Walton exec produce for Free@Last TV. Michele Buck exec produces for Company Pictures. Catherine Mackin and Lesley Pemberton exec produce for Acorn Media Enterprises. Produced by Charles Palmer. Co-produced by Mick Pantaleo. Ian Strachan is the Head of production. Theme composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Cinematography by James Moss GBCT. Editing by James Hey. Titles by Light Creative. Filmed with the support of HM Treasury and DCMS' Film and TV Production Restart Scheme. Distributed by All3Media International and Acorn Media International. The episode is dedicated to M.C. Beaton (nom de plume of Marion Chesney), who died in December 2019.

 

(1) This fourth series is available as four feature-length episodes or eight 45-minutes episodes.

 

https://www.amcnetworks.com/press-releases/acorn-tv-with-acorn-media-enterprises-commissions-agatha-raisin-for-fourth-series-from-freelast-tv/

https://tellyvisions.org/2022/01/24/agatha-raisin-season-4-debut-acorn-tv-february 

 

See also:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/06/agatha-raisin-series-3-episodes-3-4.html (Series 3, Episodes 3 & 4)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/05/agatha-raisin-series-3-episode-2-agatha.html (Series 3, Episode 2)
https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/agatha-raisin-series-3-episode-1-agatha.html (Series 3, Episode 1)

THE MADAME BLANC MYSTERIES - SERIES 1, EPISODE 1 TO 3 (CHANNEL 5/ACORN TV)

[FAVOURITE OF THE YEAR] An English antiques dealer becomes an amateur sleuth in the south of France after the suspicious death of her husband.

The bottom line: À savourer sans modération.

 

The Madame Blanc Mysteries (formerly The Reluctant Madame Blanc) is a  6 x 60-minute mystery comedy-drama which premiered last month in the U.K. on Channel 5 and started in the U.S. this week on the SVOD service Acorn TV. The series was created by actress and television presenter Sally Lindsay, whose resume includes Still Open All Hours, Mount Pleasant, Scott & Bailey and Coronation Street. In The Madame Blanc Mysteries, she also stars as Jean White, who runs a successful antiques business in England with her husband Rory. Jean's life is turned upside down when he dies in a car crash on his way home from Sainte Victoire, a little town in southern France known as an antiques hub. She learns from her sollicitor that all of their money has disappeared and their shop will be repossessed.

Luckily, Jean still owns is a cottage they bought in Sainte Victoire. Rory was supposed to bring back a very expensive ring but it wasn't in his personal effects found on the scene of the accident so she travels to France in search of explanations. André Caron, head of the Sainte Victoire gendarmerie, knows nothing about the ring. Worse, Rory was often seen with a woman and everyone thought she was his wife. Jean White suspects her husband's death wasn't accidental so she starts her own investigation amongst the colourful Franco-British denizens of Sainte Victoire. The "other woman" turns out to be a dangerous adversary but Jean is helped by Dominic "Dom" Hayes, a friendly taxi driver. What happened to Rory and the disappearance of the ring are not the only mysteries she has to solve.

 

Directed by Dermot Boyd (The Worst Witch), The Madame Blanc Mysteries was written by Sally Lindsay with actress Sue Vincent (Mount Pleasant). In the series Vincent plays garage owner Gloria. Dom Hayes is played by Steve Edge (Starlings). The both iconic Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses) and Robin Askwith (the Confessions films, The Canterbury Tales, If....) play wife and husband Judith and Jeremy Lloyd-James, who live in their family chateau. Alex Gaumond, a Canadian actor and singer who starred in several West End musicals, is Gendarme André Caron. The other regulars are Narayan Hecter as Gloria's son Xavier, Margeaux Lampley (Céline), Aonghus Weber (Niall), Alaïs Lawson (Claudette Hayes),  Jacqueline Berces (Gendarme Richard), Félicité Du Jeu (Section de recherches, Waking the Dead) as Adele, Djinda Kane (Simone), Sanchia McCormack (Charlie) and Olivia Caffrey as Barbara.

 

In the second episode, Jean White helps an elderly woman whose mother and brother were taken by the Nazis during World War II. She has an old book containing a riddle that could lead to a treasure. Meanwhile, Sainte Victoire welcomes the producer of a TV programme called A New Life in France. Natasha Cashman (Détectives) and François-Eric Gendron (Avocats et associés, Le Proc) are in the guest cast. The 1980s themed 35th wedding anniversary party of Judith and Jeremy goes wrong in the third episode. Comedy legend Paul Chuckle guest stars as Gloria's dad Trevor. With its excellent detective stories, a riveting series arc and a cast of quality, The Madame Blanc Mysteries is a must see for fans of mystery/detective dramas.

 

The deliciously Vigata-esque (1) Sainte Victoire is definitely in the same alternate reality as Saint Marie (Death in Paradise) and as fictional. The Madame Blanc Mysteries was actually filmed in Malta and Gozo and the locations are truly gorgeous. The very good music is by Hague & White aka Chris Hague, Joel White and Steve White (the husband of Sally Lindsay). The beautiful title song is called Passing Through and the song heard at the beginning of the first episode is Loin by Louise Courtois. The Madame Blanc Mysteries is produced by Clapperboard Studios and Saffron Cherry Productions (2) for Channel 5 and Acorn TV. Mike Benson, Sally Lindsay and Caroline Roberts-Cherry exec produce. Produced by Andy Morgan.

 

Zlatina Rankova is the line producer. Vanessa Attard is the production coordinator. Cinematography by Sean Van Hales. Editing by Roy Demery. Costumes designed by John Krausa. Produced with the support of the Government of Malta via the Malta Film Commission and the support of incentives for the Film industry provided by the Governement of Ireland.

 

(1) Vigàta is the town of Il commissario Montalbano. 

(2) Sally Lindsay is the creative director of the company.

 

https://dramaquarterly.com/blanc-canvas/

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/sue-holderness-madame-blanc-mysteries-newsupdate/  

 

Episodes 4 to 6: https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-madame-blanc-mysteries-series-1.html

PREVIOUSLY ON THIS BLOG

So...

REVIEWS 

- Agatha Raisin - Series 3 (Acorn TV):

The best series of Agatha Raisin to date.

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/06/agatha-raisin-series-3-episodes-3-4.html (Episodes 3 & 4)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/05/agatha-raisin-series-3-episode-2-agatha.html (Episode 2)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/agatha-raisin-series-3-episode-1-agatha.html (Episode 1)

- Van der Valk (ITV):

Aired by pubcaster France 3 as Les enquêtes du commissaire Van der Valk, this contemporary adaptation of the character created by English author Nicolas Freeling is available here on DVD from this week thanks to L'Atelier d'images (https://www.latelierdimages.fr/produit/les-enquetes-du-commissaire-van-der-valk-saison-1/).

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/06/van-der-valk-series-1-episode-3-death.html  (Episode 3)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/06/van-der-valk-series-1-episode-2-only-in.html  (Episode 2)  

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/van-der-valk-series-1-episode-1-love-in_30.html  (Episode 1)    
 
- Amsterdam Undercover (Der Amsterdam-Krimi, Das Erste):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/05/amsterdam-undercover-der-amsterdam.html (Episodes 1 & 2)

- Money. Murder. Zurich (Der Zurich-Krimi, Das Erste):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/money-murder-zurich-der-zurich-krimi.html (Episode 7)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/money-murder-zurich-der-zurich-krimi_26.html (Episode 5)

- Inspector Montalbano/Detective Montalbano (RAI 1):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/inspector-montalbanodetective_16.html (La rete di protezione)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/inspector-montalbanodetective.html (Salvo amato, Livia mia)

- Joséphine, ange gardien (TF1):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/josephine-ange-gardien-trois-anges.html (Trois anges valent mieux qu'un) 

- McDonald & Dodds (ITV):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/03/mcdonald-dodds-series-1-episode-1-fall.html (Episode 1) 

- Midsomer Murders - Series 21:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/02/midsomer-murders-series-21-episodes-3-4.html (Episodes 3 & 4)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020 /01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-2.html (Episode 2) 

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-1.html (Episode 1)

- Captain Marleau (Capitaine Marleau, France  3):

These are our last reviews of Capitaine Marleau. We humbly supported the megahit of France 3 even before they aired the pilot but it's now blatantly insufferable, judging by one of the two new episodes coming on the channel this month (I didn't watch the other).

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/02/captain-marleau-capitaine-marleau.html (Veuves mais pas trop)

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/02/captain-marleau-capitaine-marleau-pace.html (Pace è Salute)

- Camping Paradis - Series 11 (TF1):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/02/camping-paradis-s11e05-ma-vie-est-belle.html (Episode 5: Ma vie est belle)

- Police de caractères (France 3):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/police-de-caracteres-france-3.html

AGATHA RAISIN - SERIES 3, EPISODES 3 & 4: LOVE FROM HELL & AS THE PIG TURNS (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. 

Ashley Jensen (Catastrophe, Ugly Betty) plays the title role, an ex-London PR queen turned private investigator. 

In Love from Hell, James (Jamie Glover) vanishes after a row with Agatha about a young woman named Melissa Shephard. Melissa is found dead in Aggie's cottage and James becomes a fugitive. The detective teams up with James' sister Sheila Barr in spite of their enmity. Sir Charles (Jason Merrells) and Toni (Jodie Tyack) meet John Dewey, one of Melissa's ex-husbands and the weird owner of a vintage toy shop. DC Bill Wong (Matt McCooey) prepares his sergeant's exam. Mrs Boggle (Marcia Warren) is Carsely's Dirty Harry. Sarah (Lucy Liemann) knows what is a bong. DCI Wilkes (Jason Barnett) has a new friend.

Although Roy Silver (played by Mathew Horne) is missed, this episode written by Chris Niel is another moment of fun in an impeccable third series. Caroline Langrishe (Judge John Deed, Lovejoy) returns as Sheila for the first time since Agatha Raisin and The Quiche of Death (2014), the pilot of Agatha Raisin. Also with Kelly Adams (Mr Selfridge, Hustle) as Melissa, Robert Daws (Mayor Ted Huxley), Rosie Day (Karen Sheppard), Richard Glover (John Dewey), Sally Scott (Julia), Jo Dow (Dr. Henderson) and singer/actress Katy Baker (Lady Day). Directed by Audrey Cooke.

Series 3 concludes with As the pig turns, a fireworks penned by crime drama virtuoso and regular Agatha Raisin scriptwriter Chris Murray (Van der Valk, Midsomer Murders). The gang relaxes at the local winter fayre but the big unveiling of the hog roast ends up in a sinister manner. Bill is a sarge so DCI Wilkes tells him to stop "fraternizing with the natives". Toni takes driving lessons and she makes very special cakes (1). Sarah discovers a new colour, that she calls... "Conté". Roy is back and he loves likes bisons.

Also with Gerry McLaughlin (PC Billy Tulloch), Marc Bannerman (PC Gary Beech), Dritan Kastrati (Cezary Marciniak),  Aleksy Komorowski (Tycjan Marciniak), John Hopkins (Tom 'Bunchie' Richards), Nancy Carroll (Fiona Richards), Linette Beaumont (Amy Beech), Frankie Beesley, Maya Nascimento and Katy Baker (Lady Day - Radio). Directed by Matt Carter. 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. Music composed by Evan Jolly. Theme composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Cinematography by James Moss. Editing by Rob Platt (Love from Hell) and James Hey (As The Pig Turns). Titles by Light Creative. Distributed by All3Media International, except for English-speaking territories which are handled by Acorn Media International. Based on novels by M.C. Beaton.

(1) And someone remembered that Toni has a photographic memory.

https://www.katybakeractress.co.uk/

See also:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/05/agatha-raisin-series-3-episode-2-agatha.html (Episode 2)
https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/agatha-raisin-series-3-episode-1-agatha.html (Episode 1)

AGATHA RAISIN - SERIES 3, EPISODE 2: AGATHA RAISIN & THE DEADLY DANCE (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. 

Ashley Jensen (Catastrophe, Ugly Betty) plays the title role, an ex-London PR queen turned private investigator. 

The Agatha Raisin Detective Agency is severely hit by bad publicity after an article in a local paper－including some unkind words from DCI Denzel Wilkes (Jason Barnett). But Sir Charles Fraith (Jason Merrells) has convinced a friend, the obnoxious Mrs Tiggy Leggat-Brown, to hire Agatha. Her daughter Cassandra has received death threats because of her engagement with Perry Peterson.

« Although I hope you're not the amateur busybody that the police say you are.»

The engagement party ends in the pool for Tiggy, Cassandra and Perry when Agatha Raisin saves them from a sniper but Tiggy Leggat-Brown accuses her of ruining the event. Toni Gilmour (Jodie Tyack) looks for a missing dog with DC Bill Wong (Matt McCooey), James Lacey (Jamie Glover) is disenchanted, a hitman eats a cake, Charles and Roy Silver (Mathew Horne) play dominoes and DCI Wilkes can dance tango.

Australian actor and dancer Adam Garcia guest stars as George Felliet, a tango teacher, in the fabulously funny Agatha Raisin & the Deadly Dance. This episode, adapted from the novel by M.C. Beaton, was penned by crime drama virtuoso and regular Agatha Raisin scriptwriter Chris Murray (Midsomer Murders and the recent Van der Valk). 

Also with Lucy Liemann (Sarah Bloxby), Patsy Kensit (Emma Comfrey), Anna Wilson-Jones (Tiggy Laggat-Brown), Abigail Carter-Simpson (Cassandra Laggat-Brown), Steve John Shepherd (Jeremy Laggatt-Brown), Angus Castle-Doughty (Perry Peterson), Elle McAlpine (Felicity Felliet), 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. Music composed by Evan Jolly. Theme composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Cinematography by James Moss. Editing by James Hey. Titles by Light Creative. Distributed by All3Media International, except for English-speaking territories which are handled by Acorn Media International. Directed by Roberto Bangura.

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/04/agatha-raisin-series-3-episode-1-agatha.html (Series 3, Episode 1)

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)

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 21, EPISODES 3 & 4: THE STING OF DEATH & WITH BAITED BREATH

The 21st series of Midsomer Murders (four 90-minute episodes) premiered last December in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV. 

In the United Kingdom, episodes 1 and 2 aired on ITV on January 21st and February the 4th respectively. The venerable detective drama stars Neil Dudgeon (DCI John Barnaby), Nick Hendrix (DS Jamie Winter), Annette Badland as pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman (Sarah Barnaby). Isabel Shaw plays Betty Barnaby.

- The Sting of Death (Episode 3): There's a potentially dangerous swarm on the loose after a case of bee rustling with violence. DCI Barnaby and DS Winter visits the victim, master beekeeper and historic honey producer Ambrose Deddington. Sarah finally convinces a reluctant John to attend a yoga class. An excellent episode written by Julia Gilbert (Agatha Raisin) and directed by Matt Carter.

With Bryan Dick (Cyrus Babbage), Jack Fox (Jude Deddington), Derek Griffiths (Reverend Nigel Bookthorpe), Griff Rhys Jones (Ambrose), Ben Starr (Noah Moon), Imogen Stubbs (Tamara Deddington), Nina Toussaint-White (Hannah Bookthorpe), etc.

- With Baited Breath (Episode 4): Fishermen are eager to catch a giant fish (supposed to lurk in a lake) during the Solomon Gorge "Fishaton". Their plans are threatened when hundred of participants arrive for the Psycho Mud Run, including Jamie and Sarah Barnaby. Most regrettably, the slow and clumsy With Baited Breath is a weak way to conclude this 21st series. 

The fish thing and the mud run weirdly sound like two distinct scripts. Maybe they shouldn't film Barnaby and Winter off duty after all. With Aneurin Barnard (Freddie Lamb), Eleanor Fanyinka (Jade-Marie Pierce), Nitin Ganatra (Eric Skye), Miles Jupp (Cornelius Tedbury), Nicola Stephenson (Izzy Silvermane), etc. Written by Jeff Povey. Directed by Jennie Darnell.

Produced by Bentley Productions (an All3Media company) for ITV.  Produced by Guy Hescott. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Exec produced by Michele Buck and Louise Pedersen. Music composed by Evan Jolly. Midsomer theme composed by Jim Parker. Editing by Simon Starling (Episode 3) and Peter Williams (Episode 4). Cinematography by Al Beech. Costumes designed by Sue Thomson. 

Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. Distributed by All3Media International. France 3 will show Episode 1 on March 8.

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm 
http://evanjollymusic.com/ 

Series 21, Episode 2:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-2.html 

Series 21, Episode 1:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-1.html 

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 21, EPISODE 2: THE MINIATURE MURDERS

The 21st series of Midsomer Murders (four 90-minute episodes) premiered last month in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV. 

Starring Neil Dudgeon (DCI John Barnaby), Nick Hendrix (DS Jamie Winter), Annette Badland as pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman (Sarah Barnaby).

Alexander Beauvoisin, a wealthy real estate agent, is shot dead at the Midsomer Museum of the Family during his speech for the unveiling of a new dolls house collection. Dr. Fleur needs help for her relocation. DCI Barnaby discovers "the only way to travel". A great scenario by scriptwriter Helen Jenkins (1) and a superb work by both director Toby Frow and new series composer Evan Jolly.

Eleanor Bron returns to Midsomer Murders as dolls house and miniatures creator Maxine Dobson after playing another role in 2012. Katy Brand plays children's entertainer Jemima Starling and wears a nightmarish bird costume. Also starring Roger Barclay (Alexander), Karl Collins (Samuel Wokoma), Rosalie Craig (Carys Nicholson), Clare Holman (Fiona Beauvoisin), Joanna Page (Holly Ackroyd), Isabel Shaw (Betty Barnaby). etc.

Produced by Bentley Productions (an All3Media company) for ITV. Distributed by All3Media International. Produced by Guy Hescott. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Exec produced by Michele Buck and Louise Pedersen. Midsomer theme composed by Jim Parker. Editing by David I'Anson. Cinematography by Al Beech. Costumes designed by Sue Thomson. 

Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. In the United Kingdom, ITV will show The Miniature Murders on February the 4th.

(1) Helen Jenkins wrote two brilliant episodes for the previous series: The Ghost of Causton Abbey and Till Death Do Us Part.

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm 
http://evanjollymusic.com/ 
https://vimeo.com/davidianson 

Series 21, Episode 1:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-1.html

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 21, EPISODE 1: THE POINT OF BALANCE

The 21st series of Midsomer Murders premiered last month in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV. 

In the United Kingdom, ITV will show the first of four 90-minute episodes tomorrow. 

« Didn't think glitz and glamour were your thing, sir.
- They're not. »

DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) investigate in the world of ballroom dancing when a dancer is found murdered at her home. She was last seen at the opening gala of the Paramount Dance Extravaganza contest, where she wasn't competing. The victim was also a freelance journalist working mainly on local news stories.

Dealing with the rivalries of dancers and the power struggles at the Wilder Biorobotics Institute, a high-tech research facility which sponsors the event, is less complicated for John than speaking to his own father. Nick Hicks-Beach, who wrote the excellent The Lions of Causton for the previous series, returns to Midsomer Murders with the even better The Point of Balance (directed by Audrey Cooke).

Barnaby gets a dance lesson and someone meets a bad robot. Annette Badland is back as Fleur Perkins, the pathologist. Fiona Dolman plays Sarah Barnaby. The episode has very good dialogues, humour, emotion and splendid performances by Nigel Havers (Andrew Wilder), Christopher Timothy (All Creatures Great and Small) as Barnaby's father Ned and Cassidy Little (Duncan Corrigan). Jaye Griffiths (Casualty, Bugs) plays Lily Wilder.

Like Cassidy Little, guest actors Natalie Gumede (Rachel Stevenson), Danny Mac (Anton Walsh) and Faye Tozer (Rosa Corrigan) are former participants of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC dance programme. With Carolina Main (Heather Wilder), Tom Chambers (Father Brown) as Ray Wilder, Jack Hawkins (Jake Hannity), Kazia Pelka (Tanya Brzezinski), Luke Pierre (Warren Cunningham) and Isabel Shaw (Betty Barnaby).

Composer Evan Jolly (Agatha Raisin) succeeds to the great Jim Parker, who retired after Series 20. Produced by Bentley Productions (an All3Media company) for ITV. Distributed by All3Media International. Produced by Guy Hescott. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Exec produced by Michele Buck. Editing by Adam Masters. Cinematography by Al Beech. Based upon the books by Caroline Graham.

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm 
http://evanjollymusic.com/ 
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/article-soldier-on-play-reveals-how-the-creative-process-helps-veterans-deal/ 

AGATHA RAISIN - SERIES 2, EPISODES 2 & 3: THE FAIRIES OF FRYHAM & THE CURIOUS CURATE (ACORN TV)

The second series of British mystery comedy-drama Agatha Raisin premiered on U.S. streaming service Acorn TV between Autumn 2018 and Winter 2019. It will start in France this sunday on pubcaster France 3.

Series 2, Episode 1: The Wizard of Evesham:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/12/agatha-raisin-series-2-episode-1-wizard.html

London PR queen turned amateur sleuth 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.

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, 2018. In The Fairies of Fryfam, which was released on December 24. Agatha Raisin needs a retreat to write her first novel (a murder mystery, of course) so she rents a cottage in the remote village of Fryfam. The place, called Oberon Cottage, dates back to the 17th century and a local legend says fairies live around the village.

Soon after Agatha sees glowing little things flying in the garden, she's hired by a woman named Lucy Trumpington-James to prove that her wealthy husband, Tolly, is having an affair. When Lucy is accused of his murder, Agatha Raisin investigates. She's joined by Sir Charles Fraith (Jason Merrells), Gemma Simpson (Katy Wix) and DC Bill Wong (Matt McCooey). Compared to weird lights, a doll on her door, a dead rabbit and "a stunning harpy, mermaid, Mata Hari woman", the obtuse DCI Percy Hand (Andrew Brooke) is the lesser of Agatha's problems. James Lacey (Jamie Glover) returns to Carsely.

Midsomer Murders regular scribe Chris Murray brings Agatha Raisin on a territory quite similar to the villages in the famous fictional county of the venerable ITV detective drama. The legendary English actress Annette Badland, who plays Dr. Fleur Perkins in Midsomer Murders, guest stars as housekeeper Betty Jackson (a fan of detective novels). Guy Hescott produces both Series 2 of Agatha Raisin and Midsomer since its 20th series. Helmed by Matt Carter (1), The Fairies of Fryfam is very entertaining in spite of the noticeable absence of Roy Silver (Mathew Horne) and DCI Denzel Wilkes (Jason Barnett).

« So, let's see if Lord Grantham was having an affair with the bisexual curate. »

Also with Clare Lawrence Moody (Lizzie Findlay), Tommy Bastow (Barry Jackson), Milo Twomey (Paul Redfern), Maimie McCoy (Rosie Wilden), Phoebe Thomas (Amy Redfern), Lucy Liemann (Sarah Bloxby), Nicholas Agnew (Tolly), Elarica Johnson (Lucy) and Rebecca Bainbridge (Polly Dart). Penned by Chris Niel (Free Agents), The Curious Curate is directed by Audrey Cooke. Almost all the women of Carsely are crazy about the new curate, Tristan Delon. Not Sarah Bloxby, whose reverend husband is in Nigeria for missionary work. Delon tries to alleviate her resentment during a dinner until she finds a letter from the bishop.

The morning after, the young man is found murdered in Sarah Bloxby's house with one of her knives. DCI Wilkes and DC Wong interrogate Sarah, though Wilkes is more preoccupied by the election of the chairman of the parish council. Agatha teams up again with Sir Charles to clear the name of her friend. They find out Tristan Delon wasn't a saint (and he wasn't "Tristan Delon" either). An anonymous note draws their attention on software multi-millionaire Richard Binser. Bill has a new girlfriend who's scared of meeting his mother. Charles makes a surprising announcement and Roy seeks a new job.

The Curious Curate is the best episode of this second series. Most of the main cast is back for a festival of brilliant dialogues, an excellent humour, a very good plot with a couple of twists and nice performances by Olly Rix as Tristan and John Light (Richard Binser). The talented Jason Barnett sends DCI Wilkes, Carsely's Inspector Clouseau, to the pantheon of the great British TV comedy cops. Also starring Georgia Slowe (Ellen Partle), Pippa Haywood (Reverend Grace Lansing), Nicola Stephenson (Liz Jellop), Emma Cooke (Peggy Slither), Amy Beth Hayes (Charlotte Bellinge), 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. Ian Strachan is the line producer. Music composed by Evan Jolly. Theme composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Cinematography by Al Beech. 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. Agatha Raisin will be back for a third series.

(1) Matt Carter directed 5 episodes of Midsomer Murders between 2016 and 2018.

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/

LAST MONTH ON THIS BLOG... OR NOT

Allow me to wish you again all the best for 2019.

REVIEWS

- Agatha Raisin - Series 2, Episode 1: The Wizard of Evesham (Acorn TV):

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/12/agatha-raisin-series-2-episode-1-wizard.html

"OR NOT" (BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT)

- Alexandra Ehle: Fou volant (France 3):

Julie Depardieu returns as the free-spirited forensic pathologist Alexandra Ehle in this second case from novelist/scriptwriter Elsa Marpeau (Capitaine Marleau), who penned the pilot aired in March 2018. Directed by François Basset, Fou volant looks like a "reset", thanks to new elements (the completely unoriginal internal affairs cop, Alexandra's hidden niece). Despite this retooling it's even worse than the pilot, which is definitely a tour de force (https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/03/alexandra-ehle-formerly-la-legiste.html).

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:

 

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2019/06/agatha-raisin-series-2-episodes-2-3.html

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 20, EPISODES 3 TO 6

The 20th series of Midsomer Murders premiered in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV more than three months ago, well ahead of its British home ITV and its French broadcaster France 3.

Starring Neil Dudgeon (DCI John Barnaby), Nick Hendrix (DS Jamie Winter), Annette Badland as the new pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman (Sarah Barnaby).

- Drawing Dead (Episode 3): A former supermodel emerges from a coma to be murdered while there's a comic book festival in Carver Valley. A disappointing episode in spite of a good cast, Dr. Fleur's one-liners and Winter's embarassment (the costume). And no one ever reads known comic book franchises in Midsomer County.

With Bill Bailey (Darwin Chipping), Ruby Bentall (Poldark) as Stella Starling, Nicholas Burns (Barrett Lounds), Ben Caplan (Murray Eccbeer), Nicholas Farrell (Isaac Starling), Jemma Redgrave (Dr. Juno Starling), Ellen Thomas (Ruth Crane), etc. Written by Jeff Povey. Directed by Toby Frow.

- The Lions of Causton (Episode 4): The owner of the Causton Lions, a rugby club, is frozen to death. John remembers his glory days in this sport. He plays squash with Winter, Fleur wears a chapka, there's a death by chocolate and an explosion. An excellent episode written by Nick Hicks-Beach (DCI Banks, Lewis) and directed by Matt Carter. The guest cast is dominated by the fabulous performances of Don Gilét (Bill Viner) and Michael Maloney (Neville Gallagher).

Also with Nicholas Goh (Mark Adler), Julian Lewis-Jones (Guy Bevan), Shereen Martin (Debbie Gallagher), Tamzin Outhwaite (Samantha Adler), Richard Rankin (Danny Wickham), Marcia Warren (Belinda Braun), etc.

- Till Death Do Us Part (Episode 5): Dragged by his wife to a wedding, Barnaby must soon act in an official capacity when Sarah finds a dead body. The second episode penned by scriptwriter Helen Jenkins for both Midsomer Murders and this 20th series (after The Ghost of Causton Abbey) is brilliantly acerbic and effective.

With Camilla Arfwedson (Serena Madison), Kelly Brook (Lauren Newman), Michael Fox (Gavin Webster), Liz Fraser (Marcia Jackson), Nick Hancock (Phil Webster), Colin McFarlane (Jordan Briggs), Fenella Woolgar (Hazel Webster), etc. Directed by Audrey Cooke.

- Send in the Clowns (Episode 6): Swinton Magna has a clown problem. DCI Barnaby too when a circus clown kills another as John happens to be afraid of clowns! An absolute gem written by Julia Gilbert. This  episode is a magnificent celebration of Circus, a love letter to this art superbly directed by Nick Laughland. Jay Miller was the circus adviser for this episode.

With Lorraine Ashbourne (Daniella Bellini), Jonathan Bonnici (Raoul Delgado), Lorraine Burroughs (Freya Ferabbee), Kevin Eldon (Terry "Groucho" Bellini), Andrew Gower (Harry Ferabbee), Mike Grady (Les "Oucho" Morrison), Joni Kamen (Sophia Bellini), Andrew Knott (Mostyn Cartwright), Terence Maynard (Ashley Denton), Neil Stuke (Curtis Ferabbee), Jason Watkins (Joe Ferabbee), etc. Charlotte Carabin and Jodi Miller are the circus doubles.

Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. Produced by Guy Hescott. Executive producers Jonathan Fisher and Michele Buck. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Produced by Bentley Productions (an  All3Media company). Music composed by Jim Parker. International sales by All3Media international.

Episodes 1 & 2:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/06/midsomer-murders-series-20-episode-1.html
https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/06/midsomer-murders-series-20-episode-2.html

See also:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/britbox-announces-premiere-debut-of-new-season-of-midsomer-murders-300642634.html
http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm
http://www.jaymillerscircus.co.uk/

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 20, EPISODE 2: DEATH OF THE SMALL COPPERS

The 20th series of the venerable British detective drama Midsomer Murders premiered last month in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV, ahead of ITV. It will be available in France on DVD this summer.

Mahesh Sidana, head of school in the village of Little Crosby and  founding member of the Circulus IQ society, is murdered in a most ironic way given his hobby. Grady Palmerston, the arrogant supremo of Circulus is in the suspect list of DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix). Like Luke Fawcett, an English teacher sacked by Sidana and who spends time at the pub doing crosswords. Winter falls under the charm of Penny Kingdom, a biology teacher who runs a lepidoptery group. Barnaby is surprised to run into Danish police detective Birgitte Poulsen. The Midsomer Constabulary learns about "Danish Feng Shui", Sarah Barnaby (Fiona Dolman) gives some help and quizzes can be deadly. 

Written by Chris Murray (Series 19's Death by Persuasion) and directed by Paul Harrison, the very good Death of the Small Coppers feels like an episode of Lewis with Little Crosby doubling as Oxford. Danish actress Ann Eleonora Jørgensen (The Killing) returns as Birgitte Poulsen, a character first seen in The Killing of Copenhagen, the 100th episode. Also with Mark Benton (Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators) as Eddie Rowbotham, Peter Egan (Unforgotten) as Grady Palmerston, Ray Fearon (Carlton Scott), Ellie Haddington (Ginny Welton), Thusita Jayasundera (Anika Sidana), John Light (Father Brown) as Luke Fawcett, Niamh McGrady (Penny Kingdom), Chance Perdomo (Leo Scott), etc.

Annette Badland plays Dr. Fleur Perkins, the new pathologist. Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. Produced by Guy Hescott. Executive producers Jonathan Fisher and Michele Buck. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Produced by Bentley Productions (an  All3Media company). Music composed by Jim Parker. International sales by All3Media international. 

Series 20, Episode 1:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/06/midsomer-murders-series-20-episode-1.html

Series 20, Episodes 3 to 6:

http://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/08/midsomer-murders-series-20-episodes-3.html

See also:

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/22/small-copper-butterfly-decline-survey