Three Quick Reviews

From while I was away

Sherwood: A fascinating combination of detection and recent history. While generally I prefer little (or no) backstory or personal drama, that is the main attraction of BBC’s Sherwood. The title comes from the series’ location, Nottinghamshire, next to the Sherwood Forest of Robin Hood fame. The show’s author takes his inspiration from several murders committed when he was a youth in the early 2000s that arise from continued animosities from the 1984-84 strike by coal miners – during which most of the town’s workers crossed the picket line – that the Thatcher government used to break the coal miners union. The first of two seasons (BBC, 2022-24) begins with the murder by crossbow of one of those who went on strike and still harbors strong feelings about the scabs. (The lead detective dislikes any effort to bring up the Robin Hood angle.) The second turns on murders that stir up a gang war. The possibility of longtime police informers hiding in the community threads both seasons together. Sherwood is a bit bloodier than most British shows I watch, and can be quite intense. But excellent acting – including from a number of faces familiar from many other mysteries I have reviewed here – and an interesting way to blend some history of British class confrontation with what it did to a working class community. Running on Britbox, a solid 4 rating.

Dalgliesh: I first came across this Acorn TV version of P.D. James’ DCI Dalgliesh in early 2023 and was not overly impressed. It rearranges and condenses the books as it makes each story into two short 45 minutes episodes rather than the longer take of the earlier version staring Roy Marsden (to which I gave a 5+). After watching the second season, I liked it a bit more. Over the holidays, I watched the third season. Bertie Carvel still plays Dalgliesh a bit too taciturn and the plots are rearranged even more, it seems to me. But still a 4 rating.

Miss Scarlet: I’ve been watching Miss Scarlet and The Duke on PBS since its first season in 2021. At the end of season 4, Eliza and the Duke recognize they love each other but to give them space, he goes off to the USA on a one year exchange with NYPD. As the new season 5 begins, Eliza learns he has taken a position there and is not coming back. Devastated, Eliza nevertheless cannot accept joining him there and giving up her career as a private eye. So, on to new adventures alone (and perchance to still find love?).

The show is written and produced by women and it shows in the sensitive handling of the challenges and personal costs they face pursuing independence and a career in a man’s world. Never mind the show being set in the 1880s, an excellent series and very much a 4+. (The show was originally filmed in Dublin but since season two, in Belgrade, Serbia!)