TV on DVD

Murder in Suburbia turns crime solving into fun romp

Murder in Suburbia
Murder in Suburbia

What is it? Murder in Suburbia, the Complete Collection, 12 episodes on four discs from Acorn Media

How much? $59.99

When? Tuesday

What is it with the English and murder mysteries? Psychologists, philosophers and sociologists are far better equipped to address that subject, but there's no doubt the Brits know how to handle murder. In the meantime, just sit back and enjoy.

This particular series takes place in the fictional town of Middleford, a typical English suburb where dark secrets and passions bubble below the surface and occasionally pop up in the form of dead bodies.

When people do drop dead, it often falls to detectives Kate Ashurst (Caroline Catz) and Emma Scribbins (Lisa Faulkner) to solve the case.

Known as Ash and Scribbs, they're a female odd couple. Ash is cultured, well-educated, analytical and meticulous. Scribbs is a good-natured slob from a working-class background who relies more on instinct.

Together, they're a formidable team as they tackle the murder of a hated real estate agent, the death by burning of a nouveau-riche lech and the brutal killing of a party girl with a complicated love life.

Their boss, Detective Chief Inspector Sullivan (Jeremy Sheffield), acts as supervisor, confidante and subject of much gossip for the two detectives, who delight in teasing him and prying into his private life.

What's this one like then? Some of the murders are pretty gruesome, but this is not a series that takes things seriously. When Scribbs uses Barbie, Ken and Barbie's car to re-create a murder scene, it doesn't seem at all out of place. The tone is far more upbeat, and that's largely thanks to the two leading ladies.

Bantering, bickering and wisecracking, they have an easy, charming rapport and a nice touch with dry gallows humor. They're opposites, but they're a perfect fit for each other.

The humor doesn't get out of hand, though. The viewer isn't left wondering how these detectives are actually able to function on the job. They're funny, but they're not unprofessional.

As for the mysteries, it's not too difficult to spot the perpetrator. Anyone with a love for mystery programs should be able to connect the dots, but if getting there is more important than the solution, then this is a fun ride. Dark, meaty and philosophical this is not.

Are there extras? Just a photo gallery.

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Style on 08/24/2014

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