Father Brown

It is wonderful to see Father Brown move into its seventh series, the show is quite wonderful, it's such easy viewing, it's funny, of course it's intriguing, it's just a great family show. Of course I love the heavy and complex mystery dramas on virtually every week, but there are times when you just want to sit back and watch a cosy, safe murder mystery. Forty five minutes of engaging, entertaining mystery, a genre which had seemed almost dead. Mark Williams has managed to inject something into the character of Father Brown, his performances are superb, he's a joy to watch, as are all of the cast. There have been a few duff episodes, but for every bad one there's a quality one, the likes of The Owl of Minerva and The Bride of Christ, they are great viewing. It comes as no surprise to me that the show is a big international success, I love it.

I've been gorging on UK TV (can't believe what I've missed) testing out this mystery series and that and discovered that I LIKE A lot but my preference after watching different styles, is the lighter, quirky, fun series like Father Brown. Lots of charming characters, gorgeous scenery and a lovely village. BBC is the BOMB!

I've tears in my eyes thinking about sitcoms I forced myself to watch believing this is was good as it gets. I'm stunned at the difference in quality television. I don't know what else to say except I have a lot of catching up to do! Father Brown, Cadfael, Death in Paradise, A touch of Frost Midsomer murders. I've been living in a bubble. I just said to my husband, the British camera moves leisurely, soaking up the countryside. Wonderful shots of landscapes and gorgeous plants of all kinds (I love the English admiration and respect for the art of gardening and nature in general). The camera pauses and lets you hear the wind and sounds of nature as the cast goes about their business.It actually adds to the tension so beautifully...a prolonged creaking sound, a shot of leaves blowing on trees. Our eyes are treated to gorgeous old buildings,streets, shops and quirky guest stars with their fabulous character portrayals. We see unusual hobbies, situations, an array of real faces and all ages in all their imperfected glory.Actors aren't chosen for cookie cutter beauty or age but the character that shows on their faces and ability to act. How wonderful to see all ages!!! I find the older the more great fun it is! BBC TV doesn't hide them away! We see distinguished, frumpy, classy, nutty, prissy, scatterbrained, intellectual,funny flirtatious. ...... On American TV there's one actress to portray seniors, Betty White whom is limited to either childlike, cranky or a dirty old lady. The TV mysetry/detective shows I was used to viewing are noisy, cheap and gimmicky. Ugly buildings and constant shots of car doors slamming shut with generic 30 somethings getting in and out passing off their ability to stride self importantly as acting...boring botoxed faces with capped teeth... detectives with no depth or range of emotions,no wit or charm or style as they storm in and out of ugly buildings interrogating guest characters that are all boobs, hair and teeth between 20 and 30. Graphic unnecessary sex scenes for shock...never again. I'm a convert. Father Brown is relaxing, highly enjoyable and plain old FUN!!!

Love father Brown, but season 11 is beyond boring. I used to look forward to new episodes, but this year I barely bother. It feels like Father Brown's actors just said "let's get through this year, pay us, and then we can retire." I love mysteries, police procedurals, etc. And just enjoy the ride without trying to figure out "who dun-it. But these episodes are so simplistic, I know who's done it without even making an effort.

The biggest problem, of course, was getting rid of Bundy and lady Felicia. There is now no access to the upper class with their peculiarities, their wealth, waywardness, mansions, free morals and the humor. No love/hate relationship between Mrs. McCarthy"s british steadfastness vs Lady Felicia aristocratic snootiness and Bundy's new found post-war bohemian wildness.. And all these quirky characters working with and against a setting featuring mid-century Catholic priest was the basis of Father Brown.

The two new protagonist, Mrs. Devine, a WW 2 war widow and new secretary and her assistant waif, although cute, really don't bring anything to the show...just middle class 1950 boredom. No drama, no tension, no surprises. So murders are no surprise either. The only brightness in this show is the wardrobe with the giant billowy skirts and tons of petticoats. Even the romance between Chief Inspector and Mrs. Devine is lackluster.

Flambeau finally shows up, and I was looking forward to his input, but this episode too was predictable and boring. Actually there is no mystery. The bad guy killed the guard.

Watch and rewatch seasons 1 to 10, jewel, or Mrs. McCarthy's strawberry but skip season 11. I never thought it could be this bad, Don't waste your time on season 11. . I would not be surprised if this show gets cancel, nobody is making an effort here.

We much more enjoyed the seasons staring Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia and Tom Chambers. The character of Bunty is rather uninteresting and one dimensional, and Inspector Mallory is a stereotypical idiot. Also, the character of Syd is much missed in storylines, as well. Although Father Brown is, all in all, good entertainment, I do miss the earlier seasons.

I'm 28 and Canadian and i adore this show. How they manage to make a show about death, crime and mystery so charming, heartwarming and enjoyable is really remarkable. Most crime shows are so dark, bloody and upsetting. This show leaves you feeling happy, light hearted and a great feeling about humanity. Father brown is kind, smart and a really good person. Mrs M is my favorite, she's simply hilarious,strong willed and awesome. Although characters change or come and go, some good some bad, the final product is a great show. I've compared it to Murdoch but honestly i like this show better. Interesting, fun, suspenseful, and very enjoyable! Most people seem to need blood and violence and female nudity to make a good crime/mystery show but to me it's very refreshing to see innocence and integrity in a modern show. This show is great for kids or elderly. I'm up to season 8 and it's as good as ever! Can't wait for more.