The Mrs Bradley Mysteries

There are five episodes in this series, but sadly only the first one is available right now at Britbox and Amazon, with a Britbox subscription. (Something about expired rights.) That's too bad, because I'm picky about the British mysteries I watch, and here was one of the few Britbox ones that I actually found highly watchable.

Mrs. Bradley is a divorcee with a loyal chauffeur who helps her solve murders. She is unorthodox to say the least, not the least bit sentimental, and embarrasses her grown son to no end. She threw cigars on his father's coffin at the cemetary. (Her ex-husband loved cigars.)

In this first story, Mrs. Bradley is staying the weekend at the home of family friends who are celebrating the engagement of her goddaughter. Only her fiance drowns in the bathtub, and something very strange is revealed about him after the drowning.

Was it an accident or murder? Of course, we know it was murder and so does Mrs. Bradley. Now she just has to prove it, as well as figure out why other odd things are going on in the home. I figured out who the murderer was before the end, without even trying to do so. I never try to do so, because I just watch mysteries for a hopefully intelligent and enjoyable ride. I like the cozy type and this series fits the bill.

I am puzzled by the negative reviews, not to mention the show producers' decision to pull the plug after airing just a handful of stories. Here we are in 2015, awash in much-acclaimed period costume TV dramas which serve up contrived, soap-ish plots and uneven dialogue - neither particularly at home in the prewar era they pretend to capture. By comparison, Mrs Bradley Mysteries sparkles. The exteriors and interiors alone are hypnotic. The acting is spot on. A great many feminist messages are shared but without rubbing the viewer's nose in it. There is wit and affection and murder mystery on par with Agatha Christie. I enjoyed every minute. Strongly recommended.

Dame Diana Rigg is as smooth as a glass of brandy, but don't let that fool you. She's intelligent and clever in the role of the thrice-divorced Mrs. Adela Bradley in the Mrs. Bradley Mysteries series. Adela solves mysteries in a variety of interesting places- from a haunted house to a lovely seaside resort- along with her sidekick/chauffeur George (Neil Dudgeon). Bradley has the best of advice and sarcasm to offer to those involved in her cases, and the audience too. The series of mini-mysteries is very enjoyable to watch- the 1930s period costumes, props, and cars bring out the best in this sexy, savvy series that keeps you on the edge of your seat in pure fun.

..but sadly, i found the writing not nearly up to snuff of most BBC mysteries. Combined with directing at a snail's pace, I longed for Miss Fisher mysteries set in the same era where the pace didn't put me to sleep. The acting is good as you would expect from these veterans, but they just don't have much to work with in terms of script.

Five glorious murder mysteries, that keep you baffled, and look decadent. The production values are spot on, the sets and costumes are spot on. A word you'd use is lavish, plenty of art deco, lots of that pre war glamour. The music is glorious.

Diana Rigg is sublime in the title role, talk about meant for a part, she has the charisma, the charm, the voice, and dare I say it the grandeur for the role. Dudgeon is great, as are a wealth of brilliant guest stars, Phyllida Law, Lynda Barron and Ronan Vibert, they played a blinder with Peter Davison, he was terrific.

What a shame it only lasted the one series, this deserved to run a lot longer. The finale was my favourite episode. 8/10