Murder in Suburbia

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.

For an American saturated with "CSI," "Law & Order," and their spin-offs and clones, "Murder in Suburbia" is completely refreshing. This is the *best* whodunit mystery show that I have scene in years. The show ran on BBC America here in the U.S., in late 2004 and early 2005.

The show revolves around a Detective Duo: DI Kate 'Ash' Ashurst (Caroline Katz) and DS Emma 'Scribbs' Scribbins (Lisa Faulkner). 'Ash' and 'Scribbs' are both single, young women, with 'Ash' having a higher rank than 'Scribbs.' During each episode, the Duo lament about their single lives, which provides for the lighter moments in the show. Jeremy Sheffield also stars as DCI Sullivan, the Duo's boss.

This is not "CSI" or "Crossing Jordan," where in those series, technology tends to 'solves' the crime more than old-fashioned gumshoe brainpower. Each episode (so far) concentrates on a single murder, rather than two separate murders, which is the usual formula of "CSI" or 'Jordan.' This show is concerned with the mystery of the murder and paints a much fuller picture of the victim's life and situation, than most shows. It also helps that the run time for each episodes about 52 minutes (without commercials) compared to the forty-some minutes for most hour-long U.S. series.

The show is very faithful to the whodunit formula, allowing the viewer to try to solve the crime along with main characters. When the Duo interviews someone, this is not one or two questions, but many questions, which can be in rapid-fire succession, packing a lot more information than most mystery series. Fingerprints and DNA do play a role in the mysteries, but they are secondary to the *WHY* of the murder.

The *WHY* of the murder is the most intriguing aspect of each episode. Each episode shows a hidden layer of suburbia, from sophisticated dating services, real "wife-swapping," hidden pasts, and more.

If you prefer dark and gritty "crime dramas" or are looking for developed main characters, this series is probably not for you. But if you are looking for an intriguing whodunit with a bit of humor and where the mystery is the focus of each episode , this series is for 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.

There are always crimes afoot on Wisteria Lane. Suppose you sent a fashionable version of Cagney & Lacey to investigate them. This is the basic effect of 'Murder in Suburbia'.

Just like 'Desperate Housewives', it manages to combine a good story with a generous helping of humor. The crimes are suitably bizarre, and the interplay between Ash and Scribbs as the two single police officers is a lot of fun.

This is not like most American mysteries which are heavy on procedures and tend to be very somber. This one is strong on character and very light hearted.

If you enjoy 'Midsomer Murders' you will probably enjoy this, and if ABC doesn't option the US rights to this show as a companion piece for 'Desperate Housewives', they're nuts.

DI Ashurst and DS Scribbins, a.k.a. Ash and Scribbs, are pals and detectives in the northern community of Middleford. Each episode is about 50 mins long, and it's totally bingeable. The women have terrific chemistry and are very funny. They're also both very single, and a LOT of time is spent talking about men, dating, ragging on the guys they're dating, wondering why they can't find anyone to date. To complicate matters, they both have huge crushes on their boss, the admittedly dishy DCI Sullivan, but are smart enough to not risk THAT HR complication. I slightly preferred more episodes in S2 than S1, but it's a decently amusing watch if you don't get tired out by all the single ladies talk.