Blue Murder - Set 1

Movie / Show Details

Amazon.com

A superb police procedural, Blue Murder is anchored by Caroline Quentin, best known for comedy (Men Behaving Badly) but turning in an impressive dramatic performance. DCI Janine Lewis (Quentin) of the Manchester police is not a brilliant super-detective; as she juggles her career, her recently failed marriage, and her four kids; she solves cases through diligence and doggedness. The result of this emphasis on police gruntwork, far from being dull, is completely engrossing–in part because the everydayness cunningly balances the often sensational crimes, where murders are intertwined with homemade pornography, sex-slave traffic, incest, and racial unrest. (Plus, the producers do manage to slip in more than a few gruesome moments and high-tension scenes, almost always grounding them solidly in a coherent plot.) Throughout these six episodes, the plots are skillfully orchestrated, pulling together seemingly unrelated threads (a dead prostitute ends up linked to the hit-and-run of a schoolgirl) or subtly misdirecting attention (to provide examples would ruin half the show’s pleasure). The show excels at drawing emotional parallels from Lewis’ home life and her police work, as well as capturing the human fallibility or manipulative impulses of the police officers without painting them as bad guys. The entire cast–which includes Ian Kelsey (Touching Evil) as Lewis’ closest ally on the force, whom Lewis might like to have even closer–is excellent, but Quentin unquestionably anchors the show. Her everywoman appearance masks her character’s determination and her sophisticated understanding of human behavior. Quentin had hinted at this dramatic strength in her previous mystery series, Jonathan Creek, but Blue Murder: Set 1 reveals a completely different side of her considerable talent. –Bret Fetzer

Product Description

Life is never simple for a single mum — especially when she’s the detective in charge.

Newly promoted Detective Chief Inspector Janine Lewis commands a close-knit police team that probes some of Manchester’s most gruesome murders. And, as a single mother, she tends four children at home, handling crises that range from head lice to teenage tippling. Janine throws herself into every challenge with energy and passion — even when her professional and personal lives collide.

British Comedy Award-winner Caroline Quentin (Jonathan Creek, Men Behaving Badly) shines in this dramatic role, heading a fine ensemble cast that includes Ian Kelsey (Touching Evil) as Janine’s dishy, dedicated partner and David Schofield (Gladiator) as her doubting boss. With riveting realism and a touch of wry humor, Blue Murder serves up gritty police procedurals that set your mind racing and your pulse pounding. And it sensitively explores the struggles of a thoroughly modern woman, balancing her devotion to family with the demands of her often dangerous profession.

Review

Caroline Quentin brings world-weary quality and occasional humor to the role, and she’s very good. — Deseret Morning News

Quentin is marvelous as a recently promoted policewoman, it is wonderful to see someone so real and so funny. — Connecticut Post

The mysteries are very entertaining and intriguing. — Cinema-crazed.com

This series quickly became a favourite with us and we can’t wait for the release of more. Some A-one writing here. — Toronto Sun/Canoe