Mord mit Aussicht

I came across this gem of a tv series a number of years ago on "ARD Mediathek". Because I'm bilingual I've been able to watch things in German on places like "Das Erste" which produces this. The setting is a rural town called "Hengasch". It's a play on words...in German it almost sounds like "Hänge-arsch" which is a real concept. (Flabby/saggy bottom, basically). It's deliberate because the main character, Sophie, says "Hengasch" sometimes in a way where it really sounds like 'Hängearsch". The characters are all caricatures, but once in a while there are more serious moments as well. It can be a bit corny, but I think that's its charm in a way. It's pretty light viewing as far as murder mysteries go... Might be interesting to see if an English-language based streaming service might pick it up some day. Compared with Brit series, I'd say it's something like a cross between a little more cynical Vicar of Dibley and a more rural Midsomer Murders. Each episode is under 1 hour.

Well one thing is for sure: she didn't write it. And either she gravitated towards it or the murder gravitated towards her. Well that is something you could say or at least conclude. Of course this is a comedy show, so while there is murder, the overall theme and mood is rather funny.

As are the characters and the storylines. Having to move to a small town (or is it a village? I forget when you call what something - population wise), after being rejected a position she was aiming for and at - well it isn't the best start of a new relationship. But it is perfect for a show, with the known fish out of water formula. Or the stranger comes to town. In this case the female stranger ... but one that will learn to live and love that new life eventually ... or will she? Well I reckon there are things that can not be called surprises here.

The humor is spot on, if you like the way it is presented and do not mind dry and weird humor of course. 3 seasons full of mayhem and strangeness ... and a movie that followed after it ... and while the show might have a somewhat satisfying ending for some, the movie does give it all the extra edge. But more on that, on the movies page itself.

We are watching this on MHz using the English subtitles and thoroughly enjoying it . We love th characters .. Sofia has a very mobile face that communicates her constant bewilderment of life in the " sticks". If I wanted to bribe Dietmar to get out of a speeding ticket I think cookies would do the trick. Dietmar's wife is a scream, " bulldozer" is far too mild a term ...bold and obtuse. We are looking forward to the rest of the series . Our preference is to buy DVDs and watch them at our leisure but I am unable to find DVDs with subtitles .. MHz has stopped selling DVDs perhaps the takeover by Kino Lorber I'll change this .

The first twenty seven episodes of Mord mit Aussicht are truly sparkling comedy. Caroline Peters, Bjarne Mädel, Meike Droste and Petra Kleinert are a dream comedy team with perfect timing and chemistry. Each episode is expertly written to showcase a different aspect of the characters in a country village. The music is wonderful, from the opening theme through its many variations, the instrumental choices from banjo to hammer dulcimer are extremely inventive. The theme is an ear worm that delights every time one hears the unexpected rise of the melody in the second phrase. Bravo to all! I wish this team had made 50 more episodes together!

So much fun with a good mystery thrown in. I hope there are more than just 3 seasons as it's definitely a mood lifter! Great cast members also. My review was apparently to short so I'll write more.... Does anyone know of there are more seasons of this program? It's a good program with quirky characters which I love. I would like to have seen Sophie and Jan's relationship grow, as well as all the other characters in the show. It would be great to see what the new Mayor does with Hangash. I'm sure I spelled that wrong. I would love to see what Barbel and her baby develop into. Maybe a few new characters moving to town? It's a good show and I would recommend it to anyone who wants something lighthearted, good fun and and fun mystery. Enjoy!