Ash & Scribbs

In today's age of politicized and weaponized everything, this series is both a breath of fresh air and a throwback to a simpler time. The two leads are sophisticated yet personable and relatable, and not in an aggressive, "gonna run the world" sort of way. The plots involve upper-middle-class folks where dark passions lurk and still waters run deep. The dialog and the characters' psychology are witty, well written, and believable. And unlike most crime shows, the way the mystery unfolds is quite easy to follow, partly thanks to the episodes' compact format and length. This is a lighthearted whodunit that isn't out to confuse and outsmart you.

Certainly not "deep" or complicated but at least it's not "noir", violent, politically correct or perverse like so many cop shows of late. The two female leads are charming, funny and carry their respective types quite effectively so a bit of brains and sophistication with a dash of beer and chips which works. Sufficiently entertaining enough to make it through 12 episodes at least.

An American chap commented earlier that 'This is the *best* whodunit mystery show that I have scene {sic} in years'. He then names some American copper-dramas that he thinks are inferior to this. I don't know the shows to which he refers, so all I can say is, well, if this is 'the *best*' then American television must really be in dire straits. MiS isn't even really a 'whodunit mystery show' at all, is it? I mean, the writing is so weak that it is not unusual for the perpetrator to come out of the attic in the last five minutes of the programme. What ever happened to the principle that the guilty party should be seen -- but not recognised -- in the _first_ five minutes?

Actually, I think the IMDb classification of this programme as Crime/Drama is altogether wrong. I think it should be Crime/Comedy. It's the banter and the inter-personal exchanges that make this programme, not the crime-solving aspect. (Have you noticed, for example, that no one else in the police station ever speaks, except for the three leads?)

This is a fantasy programme and should be appreciated as such. If our Yank friend thinks this is good 'whodunit', then he might well be interested in exploring other of the many -- and many _better_ -- of the British police / crime / mystery series over the years.

cheers,

Henry

This is a fun series. It bears little resemblance to either real-life murder investigations, or life in modern English suburbia, but it's very entertaining. You should know that, if you're ever murdered on a visit to England, your death will NOT be investigated by a 2 person team of glamorous models. Compared to the USA they don't have many murders in England. When they do, they put a large team on the case, led by senior police officers.

This series follows the American "partner" model, but is otherwise very British, especially in the low key humor. You won't actually care WHO "dunnit", but you will enjoy the banter, and "Scribbs" occasionally disrobes. I recommend it.

I stumbled upon this show on Britbox 20 years after it premiered, never heard of it before. Since it was an ITV production, my expectations were pretty low. But this is a delightful little show!

OK, the murder mysteries aren't that mysterious (which they really can't be in a 45 minute episode anyway). Halfway in, you usually know whodunnit. But that is not the point.

What makes this so enjoyable is the chemistry between Ash and Scribbs - and their boss. The dialogue feels very natural and totally believable, with lots of deliberate comedy moments that really work. I am especially impressed by Lisa Faulkner's brilliant acting - and her considerable charm.

Too bad they didn't give this show more than 12 episodes - could easily have run for another five years.