Case Histories

Yes, stories tie together with a number of coincidences, but they make it work. Fast moving, excellent characters and truly surprising twists and turns. I was HOOKED from the first episode...

This series is one I highly recommend for those who like the style of a modern British mystery. The character of Jackson Brodie, played by Jason Isaacs, gives the series a tenacious detective scarred by a troubled past. Brodie's past comes out in a series of flashbacks that drive him to jump into ice cold water hoping to save a life or make that final push when finishing a run. Family deaths, divorce and his love for daughter Marlee keep him well-grounded and not lacking in compassion. Brodie is spurred by a strong desire to help people as well as bring wrongdoers to heel. He doesn't talk much but listens carefully. He is smart and is quick to make shrewd observations and deductions. His cases range from finding the truth behind a long-cold case to repeatedly hunting down the beloved cat of an elderly pet lover who never pays her bills. It's hard not to like him but his ex-wife, former boss and secretary are all too eager to point out his faults. His impulses result from a soft heart and an impatience to help, putting him in hard luck situations. Daughter Marlee is his real love and spending time with her is his main satisfaction in life. He and Marlee practise French together or drive off to a convent where he investigates one of the nuns. Amanda Abbington plays his former boss with a soft spot for him and one can sense the two might become a couple. I guess we can only imagine. The series ran for nine episodes and one can see that the Brodie character might have worn thin if the story continued and never came to grips with the issues that defined his life. No matter. The series is still great viewing for the nine episodes that are on tap.

In a word:fabulous. Compelling, not to miss a word of dialog. The story line evolves from a loosely woven beginning to a tight ending. Enticed one wonders where it will go in the end. The acting brings you into the heart and soul of the characters, who have lives and emotions that inter connect and create a richness not found in the usual mystery genre. If you are pining for a who done it go to Sherlock or Perot. Jackson Brodie is superbly acted, a romantic,wounded hero who knows life has its price and he is not afraid of it. He rescues and restores justice for his clients,he is an admirable, and often suffering hero. Suffering humanizes him and we all can identify with his pain. The theme of father figure and the need to protect are strong motivations for the character. Sophisticated and refreshing for this genre. I want more. This is the new school, old school mystery is predictable and tiresome. We want sexy guys, with real life stories, love and lust thrown in the mix, the Victorian thing is over.

I have just finished watching Case Histories on DVD and I can't fault it. It's just superb television. I have read all the Kate Atkinson books and Jason Isaacs is perfect to play Jackson Brodie, and all the other actors and characterisations are offbeat without being too wacky - i.e. they have real depth to them. It's amazing that the series portrays so much violence and bleakness and yet you still love it and cheer on the good guys. And the good guys aren't perfect. I might have known that Ashley Pharoah was the screenwriter: Life on Mars which he co-created is one of my all time favourite TV series. Edinburgh and rural Scotland makes for a fantastic backdrop, and Atkinson's intricate plots are executed with superb clarity and yet not losing their great heart. Congratulations to everyone behind the series: bring on season 2!

I really have enjoyed watching this series. I think Jason Isaacs is amazing. I will be reading the books now that I have binged all the episodes. I'm sad to see this one end.