Houdini and Doyle

If you watch this show, don't think too much into it. Yes, it's been done before. Yes, it's basically just ripping off the real Houdini and Doyle.

BUT it's cute and quirky. I happened to start watching it because there was nothing better on TV, and I'm glad I did. The script is pretty good. The dialogue is a little too modern, I think, but come on, it's a detective show with Houdini. Can't expect it to be accurate.

What it is is fun. So neat to watch a reimagining of the time period. And there is a great deal of chemistry between the actors. I felt immersed in the story. Would definitely recommend if you want to have a laugh and appreciate imaginative story lines.

I think I watched all the available episodes to me in the span of a couple days. My favorite murder mystery show was canceled just a month ago and this show really brought me back to my happy place. Episodes 7 and 8 of the season were incredibly entertaining and yet also heartbreaking with a focus on the family dynamics of Doyle and Houdini. All of the scenes are nicely shot and the musical accompaniment to the episodes matched the mood and theme of the show but also stood out as more than just background music. I really hope the show gets renewed, even though I probably won't get to see a second season in the U.S. until next May. Whatever will I do until then? Read, I guess. ;)

Honestly, this show is not supposed to make sense. It's suppose to entertain the view, and that's exactly what it does. Houdini and Doyle, send a time before ours, is really a great show. It's great entertainment for the family. I love the suspense, and their mysteries with a paranormal slant. I like American Houdini paired with proper Doyle. I admit that I do hid behind a cushion from time to time, so there is sufficient thrills. I like that is all wraps up in a hour. I also love how all the characters seem to know each other, that Houdini knows great inventors in America, and Doyle knows famous authors in England. I like that both men are likable. It's not a pretentious show. I feel that it can last as long as Murdoch mysteries, if done right. So far, great first season.

This reminds me of Ioan Gruffudd's Forever (2014-15), an edgy, yet cozy, murder mystery story that has likable performers, and is filled with anachronisms and good taste in clothing. (Except Conan Doyle's suits, which get louder as the series goes on, a possible sign of growing confidence in the characterization of the character.)

The hook is that Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle have partnered to solve murders that have some connection to the supernatural and/or spiritual. It's set in the wrong time period for Houdini and Doyle to have been associated. A choice was made to make it Edwardian rather than in the more accurate 1920s. They use modern language and the modern music is intentionally unsettling. The series relies heavily on the old theater maxim of "a willing suspension of disbelief."

And it's highly entertaining. The actors are personable and talented. It's definitely an ensemble cast that works well together. The sets and costumes are well done (suitable for the time period),and highly detailed.

The story line doesn't explore any real substantial questions of politics, culture, war, or social values...yet. It's enjoyable, mindless entertainment, excellently done, with great potential for more robust story lines. Although the episodes might not have been filmed in the release-date order, the staging, story, and characters appeared to mature as the first season progressed.

But there is one travesty: They do a disservice to a good actor, and to women everywhere, by not giving their excellent female star better billing.

I was in free fall after the brilliant first season of Lucifer ended, only to be replaced with what looked like a Sherlock knock-off about Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini. What?

The first episode was a bit jarring, to be sure. Just kind of silly and ephemeral. You know? I know nothing about Harry Houdini. I do know a little about Conan Doyle because I've read all of his Sherlock stories. I didn't quite get it at first.

I thought the pilot odd and quirky. It kind of reminded me of the Murdoch Mysteries because it felt so "light weight" -- all air, no substance. But then... the show started to grow on me. I continued watching it and I started to appreciate the writing -- especially the snarky Houdini (he's given some of the best lines, dissing Canadians and bigots, for example, but really Doyle and Adeleide have great lines, too). Both the actor who plays Houdini and the actor who plays Doyle take their roles seriously and do a great job -- no matter that the premise itself is just kind of goofy.

And, in fact, it seems all of the people involved in making this show take their jobs seriously. It's quite good on many different levels, including the production values as well as the writing and acting.

I set my DVR.

And then we had episode four -- Spring-Heel'd Jack -- and I sat up and took notice. Now this is really quite good. The main mystery was excellent. There are some continuing subplots that are compelling. I was appreciating the characters more and more. There really seems to be chemistry between the three leads. And they are not one-dimensional but fairly interesting individuals.

This isn't great TV, but it is far more entertaining to watch than stupid reality shows. And I believe there's lots of promise here.

I keep thinking here at the end of ten episodes what's the use of writing this review if Fox is just going to cancel the show after the first season. But, hey. At least I am taking a stand. I really don't have anything terribly negative to say about it. The show falls into that amazing category of re-imagined fiction -- Robin Hood, Dracula, The Musketeers, Hannibal... they are really fun. And this show is fun. The TV version of comfort food. What could be better during a blisteringly hot summer?