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Reviews
Murder in Suburbia (2004)
One of The *BEST* Episodic Whodunit Shows
For an American saturated with "CSI," "Law & Order," and their spin-offs and clones, "Murder in Suburbia" is completely refreshing. This is the *best* whodunit mystery show that I have scene in years. The show ran on BBC America here in the U.S., in late 2004 and early 2005.
The show revolves around a Detective Duo: DI Kate 'Ash' Ashurst (Caroline Katz) and DS Emma 'Scribbs' Scribbins (Lisa Faulkner). 'Ash' and 'Scribbs' are both single, young women, with 'Ash' having a higher rank than 'Scribbs.' During each episode, the Duo lament about their single lives, which provides for the lighter moments in the show. Jeremy Sheffield also stars as DCI Sullivan, the Duo's boss.
This is not "CSI" or "Crossing Jordan," where in those series, technology tends to 'solves' the crime more than old-fashioned gumshoe brainpower. Each episode (so far) concentrates on a single murder, rather than two separate murders, which is the usual formula of "CSI" or 'Jordan.' This show is concerned with the mystery of the murder and paints a much fuller picture of the victim's life and situation, than most shows. It also helps that the run time for each episodes about 52 minutes (without commercials) compared to the forty-some minutes for most hour-long U.S. series.
The show is very faithful to the whodunit formula, allowing the viewer to try to solve the crime along with main characters. When the Duo interviews someone, this is not one or two questions, but many questions, which can be in rapid-fire succession, packing a lot more information than most mystery series. Fingerprints and DNA do play a role in the mysteries, but they are secondary to the *WHY* of the murder.
The *WHY* of the murder is the most intriguing aspect of each episode. Each episode shows a hidden layer of suburbia, from sophisticated dating services, real "wife-swapping," hidden pasts, and more.
If you prefer dark and gritty "crime dramas" or are looking for developed main characters, this series is probably not for you. But if you are looking for an intriguing whodunit with a bit of humor and where the mystery is the focus of each episode , this series is for you.
Veronica Mars (2004)
An Entertaining, Fun, and Addictive Show! **Mild Spoilers (if you have not watched any episodes)**
In my opinion, this is the *BEST* new U.S. series to be launched in 2004. It breaks the mold of both the typical teen drama and the mystery series. Unlike most mystery shows, the series has significant plot arcs, which makes the series addictive, pulling me in to watch each episode. It is so refreshing to have a mystery show where the weekly mystery does not involve a corpse or a violent act. The show is a drama with bits of humor throw in, making the series 'fun,' but the series also has its serious moments. When watching the series, sometimes you'll laugh, but other times you'll 'feel' for Veronica's pains.
Veronica is dealing with much more 'baggage' then the typical teen: The major plot arcs include the murder of Veronica's best friend (Lilly Kane); Veronica's absent mother; Veronica's probable rape (I have to say probable because it is yet to be formally proved); Veronica's paternity; Veronica's relationship with her ex-boyfriend (Duncan Kane); and Veronica's dealing with high school life. These plot arcs are significant and are dealt with in *each* episode. These arcs are not thrown in at random or visited occasionally as in some procedural mystery shows (CSI, Without a Trace, Cold Case, etc.)
Kristen Bell and Enrico Colantoni lead a fine ensemble cast. Whatever the fate of the series, Bell has a bright future. Colantoni anchors the cast as Bell's father. Jason Dohring's 'Logan Echolls' is quite amusing. Francis Capra's 'Weevil' is one of the more enigmatic characters in the series.
Is the series realistic? Not really. But the proper question is whether the show's overall plot is improbable? The answer to that is "No." All the things that could have happened to Veronica are definitely possible. Of course, it is unlikely that all of the things happened to the same person.
Does the series follow the typical teen drama formula? Thankfully, No! If you prefer the O.C., 90210, or Dawson's Creek, then this show may not be for you. Veronica has a lot more to concern herself with then the typical teen.
Does the series have social commentary? Yes, and not always where one expects it. I'm not a fan of mindless television, and I prefer to see social commentary or philosophical issues examined in an episode.
Is the writing "drivel"? Not in the least. The writing is humorous at times, with its references to pop culture. The weekly mystery and plot arcs have new twists. The character of Weevil is an antihero in the tradition of Marlon Brando in "The Wild One."
This is a series that deserves a long and happy life, but has not been given an easy path for survival: Being on UPN, it lacks a good lead-in, and intra-network advertising is not as effective as the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and even FOX).
"Veronica Mars" is the best series launched in 2004. But to each, their own.
**Yes, I believe that this series is better than "Desperate Housewive" and "Lost." 'Desperate' seems way too gimmicky. While, I find "Lost" intriguing, I have a fear that once the island's 'secrets' are revealed, I'll be left with disappointment.**