Murder in Suburbia - Series 1 (2006)

Murder really shouldn't be this entertaining!

This series is very reminiscent of Midsomer Murders, only with two female detectives and a more suburban (less village-like) setting. So not really at all like it, but similar in many respects...

Now that I have you confused, I'll say that if you like Midsomer Murders you'll probably like this series. It spotlights the more old-fashioned police work, unlike the flashy forensics shows that are all the rage at the moment. Ash and Scribs work mostly with interviewing suspects and gathering information, and while forensic work does poke its head in occasionally, it's never the focus. There are the dead ends and red herrings, and a few fun twists and turns. It does have the predictable 'the suspect breaks down and confesses' problem, which I can't imagine is very realistic, but in terms of a TV show is fairly accepted. The bad guy pouring out everything and explaining how it was done give the viewer so much more of a sense of closure than the suspect just being arrested and taken off to court, without anything being explained. So that unrealistic bit I can certainly overlook.

Plus, the characters are wonderful. Neither is perfect, which is refreshing, and they have such a believable relationship. They're not the best of friends, but they have an easy banter. They're not terribly alike, but nor are they polar opposites. They're witty and a bit acerbic, but not morose or mopey. And as characters, they're both likeable. And there's the attraction to and mystery of their boss. Just enough of a hint of something there to get you hooked.

Last but not least, the mysteries are good, solid whodunits. A keen mind can solve the case along with Ash and Scribs, or you can be lazy and let the story unfold. There's nothing too bizarre about them, and yet they are original enough to be entertaining. July 28, 2008

Suburbia's Sassiest Crime Fighting Duo

3 years after Detectives Ash and Scribbs graced our television screens, Murder in Surburbia still remains one of my favorite shows. Even thought the show was packed full of more humor then drama, it was still very original and very entertaining. The chemistry between Lisa and Caroline can not be beat. And the one liners will surely have you falling over laughing. But what really got me hooked on the show, was the concept behind it. The "burbs" have always been thought of as uneventful and downright boring. Nevertheless, strange things can occurr there and when they do, it makes for wonderful story ideas.

I admit that having models for police detectives somewhat takes the focus off the stories and more on looks, but I don't feel they capitalized on appearances as much as they did the witty banter. In fact, most of the conversations that took place between the girls were normal, every day things women obsess over and I found it hilarious.

Overall, I'm proud to be the owner of the only two season that aired of this show. I would love to see BBC bring it back to audiences. And even though both girls have moved on to other roles, but they will always be my two favorite detectives. November 27, 2007

Shallow? Nonsense!

This is just to counter the few reviews that more than hint that anyone with the taste and good breeding to like "Poirot" and "Miss Marple", "Morse", "Frost" and whatever could not possibly enjoy "Murder in Suburbia". Nonsense, rot and balderdash, say I. I like all the afore-mentioned, and "Cracker" and "Prime Suspect" and "Midsomer Murders" and "Inspector Lynley" and "Inspector Alleyn" and "The Bill" - and I love this series as well. Definitely not the grit of "Prime Suspect" nor the complexity of "Morse"; closer perhaps to "Midsomer Murders", though with more humour and a lower body count. I love it for what makes it different, and especially the humour in the relationship between the two leads. I frequently chuckle and often laugh out loud - and at the end find my stress level from the day significantly diminished. Laughter - with a bit of vicarious crime - must indeed be the best medicine! August 16, 2007

A bit too cute

Alas, the repartee wears thin after a few minutes and the mysteries are not all that mysterious. While we appreciate BBC's attempt to update the genre, this is not their best shot. July 17, 2007

Even the British can be dull....

Not an interesting, typically well done British series. Save yourself....no charima here. May 23, 2007

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