DCI Banks: Season Two
Based on the
Inspector Banks novels by Peter Robinson, “DCI Banks” follows title character
Detective Chief Inspector Banks (Stephen Tompkinson) in his pursuit of justice.
This begins with a mystery involving Inspector Banks’ estranged brother and a
murder, a case which he inadvertently becomes involved in. Using his
no-nonsense methods of investigation, Banks sets out to prove his brother’s
innocence in one of three two-part mysteries that make up season two.
While season one
only included one two-part episode, the second season had three mysteries in
six episodes. For some reason these two first seasons have been lumped together
in the past, and the third season included here is actually listed as the second.
Whatever the reason for this mix-up of seasons, this one also includes three
two-episode mysteries. This season also marks a shift in the cast, with
Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbott (Andrea Lowe) leaving the job to have a child.
She is replaced by Helen Morton (Caroline Catz), who has a difficult time
fitting in, despite her efforts and obvious capabilities on the job.
Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English (Stereo)
Subtitles: English
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 466 minutes
Death in Paradise : Season
Two
One of the more
lighthearted murder mystery shows, “Death in Paradise ,”
offers a setting so beautiful that it adds a natural levity to the bleak
material. Ironically, a majority of the humor also seems to come from Scotland
Yard Detective Richard Poole (Ben Miller), and his unwillingness to relax in
the tropical environment of his newest posting. Though many would consider the
Caribbean island he is forced to work on a paradise, Poole
dislikes nearly everything about it. He is straight-laced, always in a suit,
and has a surprising distaste for sun, sand and seafood.
Along with the
‘fish-out-of-water’ narrative, “Death in Paradise” has a bit of the buddy
detective elements, although Poole’s partner is a local named Camille Bordey
(Sara Martins), whose job is to ridicule the uncomfortable English detective as
much as help him solve the mysteries. There are eight hour-long episodes in the
second season, with each taking on a self-contained mystery to be solved. Season
two lets the sun disappear from paradise temporarily when a hurricane threatens
the residents of the island, along with mysteries involving murdered nuns and
superstitions about a pirate curse.
Format: Multiple Formats, NTSC, Subtitled
Father Brown: Season One
“Father Brown”
was a mystery series that first aired in 1974, based on G.K. Chesterton’s
stories of a clerical detective. While this newest reincarnation is loosely
adapted from the characters created by Chesterton, fans of old-school detective
shows along the lines of Miss Marple will find themselves engaged by the period
mysteries. Though it is mostly mild-mannered and lighthearted in the approach,
there is still a proclivity towards death in the narrative.
Each of the ten
hour-long episodes from season one are included in this four-disc set, along
with bonus features. The pilot episode sets up the mood and the pacing of the
series perfectly, showing the clever and mild-mannered personality of Father
Brown (Mark Williams), a priest in the village of Kembleford
Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC
Scott & Bailey: Season Two
In America
This season
gives personal obstacles to both women, with Rachel forced to care for her
screw-up brother and Janet splitting with her husband. At the same time, they
face challenges at work, whether working with each other or boss DCI Gill
Murray (Amelia Bullmore). There are eight episodes in season two, and they
often continue the storyline rather than having stand-alone mysteries each
episode. All eight episodes are included on two discs, along with a
behind-the-scenes featurette in the extras.
Entertainment Value:
6.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 7/10
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