The Coroner

Nice detective type story, but this time as the title indicates the investigation is led by the Coroner Jane Kennedy (Claire Goose) although she does work closely with local police in the person of Detective Sergeant Davey Higgins (Matt Bardock).

Jane has just recently returned to her childhood home from London with her 15 year old daughter Beth, and in her role as coroner investigates violent or unexplained deaths to determine the cause. Through these investigations she has become reacquainted with Davey her now married childhood sweetheart. Rounding out the regular cast is Jane's mother Judith with whom Jane and Beth are currently living, Judith's boyfriend Mick who runs the local pub and Clint who is Jane's assistant.

This episodes are primarily about the investigation but there is also time given to family dynamics and usually some humor, the episodes run about 45 minutes each. It's a nice group of characters, the investigations are usually interesting, and the cause of death is not always murder. The series ran for two ten episode seasons.

Another strength of the series is the beautiful backdrops of the South Devon coastal locations.

The Coroner is one of those lightweight but entertaining mystery/crime dramas the UK excels at.

Reminiscent of series such as Midsomer Murders, this mystery/crime drama taps into the notion of "polite crime", made famous by authors such as Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle.

Death is done "nicely" with socially respectable people going about their "who dunnit" business of solving crime in a picturesque seaside town. The main lead is a latter day Sherlock Holmes, a coroner who, with the help of her local police counterpart (with whom she shares an almost romantic connection) uncover the causes of deaths bought to her attention.

As is almost always the case with UK series of this kind, the acting is right on the mark. The characters are convincing, if a little clichéd, and carry their respective roles well. I have enjoyed The Coroner so far and plan to keep on watching. Seven out of ten from me.

I really enjoyed the Coroner which was shown here in Australia in the evening 7.30pm on Saturday. I thought it well written with a mixture of seriousness and light-hearted fun. The scenery was stunning and made one want to visit Britain. Inside many ageing women there is a Judith just aching to come out! Jane's expression towards her mother reminded me of my own daughter's expression towards me. Davey tells a great story with his eyes and smile. I like that it is inter - generational. Great cast , great acting, great story lines and great scenery. I would really love to see a Season 3

The story lines move along; they do not drag. The characters are likable and interesting. Acting is quite good. I was expecting something darker but once I understood not to expect something sinister or mind blowing I settled in to enjoying the pace and lighter nature of the script. Characterisation is good with a range of likable characters who complement each other. Each episode is a complete story so you do not have to wait to find out the outcome. It would appeal to people who do not want a dark or scary tale. It is set in an amazingly beautiful place and that alone earns it an extra point. You are thinking while watching trying to solve the mystery of the death whether it is a crime or not and who maybe the likely culprit. I recommend this series to people who like an English mystery that is not heavy or frightening. Maybe 71/2 rather than just a 7!

This was a great little show just finding its feet in the second series and then the BBC cancelled it. Don't understand why. Typical lack of foresight from them. Big shame. Worth a watch all the same.