‘Murder in a Small Town’ Delivers a Perfectly Pleasant Mystery With a Tension-Filled Romance: TV Review

As a lifelong fan of cozy mysteries and small-town dramas, I can confidently say that “Murder in a Small Town” is right up my alley. With its picturesque setting, charming characters, and a dash of romance, it’s like stepping into an Agatha Christie novel but with a modern twist. The 90-minute premiere had me hooked from the start, and I found myself scanning every corner of the crime scene just as eagerly as our hero, Chief Alberg.


Returning to familiar genre styles can offer a sense of comfort. For instance, Fox’s latest drama “Murder in a Small Town,” drawn from L.R. Wright’s Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries and adapted by Ian Weir, skillfully merges mystery and romance into an entertaining watch. The series is set in the picturesque coastal British Columbia town of Gibsons, where newcomer police chief Karl Alberg (portrayed by Rossif Sutherland) demonstrates a unique talent for solving the town’s mysteries. An unexpected romantic interest arises for him in Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk from “Smallville”), a librarian whose spirited personality both irritates and intrigues Karl. With its blend of familiarity and a hint of unpredictability, the show promises to be a delightful choice for all viewers (though this assessment is based on only one episode).

The 90-minute debut of “Murder in a Tranquil Hamlet” commences with a serene day unfolding in Gibsons. A senior resident, George Wilcox (played by the distinguished guest actor James Cromwell), is observed tending to his plants. A different gentleman is noticed delivering something at a neighbor’s residence. In contrast, within a house’s interior, a heated dispute can be heard. Not long after, an unknown attacker strikes a man on the head, and as the man collapses, blood seeps from the wound onto the floor.

Meanwhile, Cassandra, full of resolve, steps into a restaurant for her date with Karl. The two first crossed paths on a dating app, but this face-to-face encounter unfolds smoothly. It’s revealed that while Karl is navigating his post-divorce phase, Cassandra prefers to maintain a lighthearted and uncomplicated relationship. Despite this being their first real-life interaction, their conversation sparks an intriguing dynamic, lending depth to the otherwise stereotypical narrative.

Immediately following the end of the event, Karl arrives at the murder site. The victim turns out to be Carlyle Burke (R.H. Thomson), a long-standing resident of Gibsons who wasn’t particularly well-liked. Karl’s group, Corporal Edwina Yen (Mya Lowe), Sergeant Sid Sokolowski (Aaron Douglas), and Constable Andy Kendrick (Fritzy-Klevans Destine) are all competent investigators. However, the police chief has a talent for detecting subtle details often missed by others. The filming style appears to be reminiscent of older techniques, complete with swift pan shots, encouraging viewers to scrutinize the crime scene through Karl’s keen observations. As soon as he surveys the room, something seems out of place to him.

In “Murder in a Small Town,” one episode, the crimes aren’t complex, unsolvable mysteries that leave viewers scratching their heads. Instead, the clues are so obvious that even a casual viewer is likely to figure out the solution before the halfway mark. Despite this predictability, the show remains enjoyable due to its familiar feel, albeit with some puzzling decisions in the scriptwriting, particularly regarding some strange references to race.

In this drama, Karl and Cassandra’s evolving relationship takes center stage. Despite a strong bond between them, their differing characters – his calm and understanding nature versus her straight-talking and bold persona – create an intriguing tension as they explore each other. Moreover, the show doesn’t dwell on building up to their romance slowly; instead, a heated argument at the end of Episode 1, titled “The Suspect,” reveals their opposing viewpoints, hinting at potential conflicts in the future.

Despite its hokeyness, “Murder in a Small Town” is entertaining. Its cozy rhythm is why shows like Netflix’s “Virgin River” are such hits. Tension, both sexual and otherwise, between Cassandra and Karl will entice viewers to continue tuning in if only to see how their relationship blossoms. Moreover, though each episode focuses on a different crime, questions surrounding Karl and Cassandra’s pasts offer “Murder” much-needed texture. 

The Small Town Murder Mystery series isn’t groundbreaking; it sticks to familiar tropes like romance and typical murder investigations. Yet, it doesn’t aim for cleverness or sleekness, which is refreshing. Instead, the show excels as a satisfying procedural, reminiscent of the 1990s, by embracing its identity without trying to be something else.

“Murder in a Small Town” premieres Sept. 24 on Fox, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.

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2024-09-24 16:17