User Reviews

Kembleford is rocked when famous celebrity gardener Mrs Octavia Eden arrives with her daughter and niece, no sooner had she unpacked, a murder occurs on her land.

I am truly loving the new setup, I think the changes have had a very positive effect on the show, it suddenly feels very different, very fresh.

Another very fine episode, maybe the break in seasons and filming allowed the writers and production team to get some fresh ideas.

A very quirky episode, definitely one of the more unusual storylines, that did a good job with throwing the viewer off guard, you think you know the victim and killer straight off, but they switched it up.

It definitely benefits from the presence of the marvellous Elaine Paige, I've always been a huge fan, and she is great here. A very fine cast for this one.

8/10.

Elaine Paige plays glamorous Octavia Eden, a famous florist and writer who decides to make a publicised return to Kembleford.

Octavia is terminally ill and wants to spend her final days in the place of her birth.

Octavia also has plans for both her daughter and her niece to take part in some challenges. The winner will inherit her wealth.

It is not long before someone is murdered. John Mulch (Philip Martin Brown) dislikes Octavia, in fact he is a misanthrope who dislikes everyone.

When Mulch is poisoned, his wife Marjorie is arrested by Inspector Sullivan. He thinks that this is an easy arrest. Father Brown does not think so.

Maybe there was a past connection between Octavia and Mulch. Her return triggered something in Mulch that led to his murder.

A good episode but maybe the culprit was a bit too obvious. The new team get into action. Although it might have not been wise to encourage Brenda Palmer to do some breaking and entering given her record.

Celebrity florist Octavia Eden returns to live in the Manor House in Kembleford; to the annoyance of the previous occupier John Mulch. Despite her suffering a terminal illness, he is very antagonistic towards her. Then he staggers into a garden party and drops dead. He has been poisoned and his wife is arrested and charged, although there are other suspects. Lizzy Eden with her apothecary box full of plant and herbal concoctions and Mrs Eden who is seen breaking into the Mulch's house and searching for something. Father Brown, Brenda and Isobel dig away to uncover a backstory of Dickensian complexity.

Ruby-May Martinwood is a miscast in my book. As an AA female, I enjoy seeing a person of color as part of the cast, but not just any person of color. IMO Ruby-May overacts, her accent sounds forced and her character is just annoying as hell.

Claudie Blakley, I've always enjoyed her performances and so far she doesn't disappoint. However, bad idea to make her a platinum blonde, she's too old and it makes her look washed-out. She's at the age, where 1 year makes a difference, so if there's a season 11 she will look down right awful with this hair color, so I hope they tone it down. Although, I would have loved to see Julia Sawalha in this role. I simply adored her in Lark Rise to Candelford, which also stars Claudia.

Tom Chambers - Chief Inspector Sullivan, so glad he's back. I hated his replacement, Mallory. However, there is no chemistry between he and Mrs. Devine. I get more undercurrents between him and Lady Felicia.

Nancy Carroll - Lady Felicia Montague, the episodes are always better when she's in them. I just love her character.

In the quaint village of Kembleford, there's a show that's oft absurd, Father Brown, a series based on Chesterton's word.

But in recent times, alas, the casting's gone awry, To watch the new episodes, one might heave a heavy sigh.

Ruby-May Martinwood, a choice that's quite regrettable, Her acting skills are lacking, indeed, hardly forgettable.

Much like the time Shyko Amos entered Death in Paradise, Ironically, a Ruby too, another casting compromise.

Good old Mrs. McCarthy, a character we cherished, Departed from the series, and the charm it nearly perished.

But wait, the writers struggle with a goal that's so transparent, To bring in gender balance, their efforts become apparent.

They scramble for equality, in crime-solving they endeavor, Yet the replacement's meddling, a cringe-worthy endeavor.

The tales of murder, mystery, once kept us entertained, Now leave us in dismay as the show has been so strained.

But let us not forget, a note of interest to share, The series set in the 1950s, a time that's far from fair.

In spite of all the follies, this period piece does stand, A reminder of the past, a glimpse of a time less grand.

With rhyming verse, I've shared the tale of Father Brown's decline, A once-cherished series now struggles to truly shine.

So let us hope that in the future, the casting shall improve, And the show shall rise once more, finding its perfect groove.