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I have always thought that there are three keys to success when it comes to writing mysteries, whether you're writing for print or film.
They are (a) compelling characters, (b) situations that the average reader or viewer can relate to, and (c) crimes with a twist.
The writers of the "Brokenwood Mysteries" have consistently employed all three and, in so doing, have fashioned yet another great season set in a small New Zealand town. I am especially impressed by the fact that the writers have chosen in the past to make even secondary characters interesting people and they have continued to do so in this fourth season.
The four main characters in the show are an interesting mix. Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd is an often-married, somewhat older veteran who is never going to appear on the cover of GQ for his fashion sense. He's a country music fan and relies on his intuitive knowledge of people when investigating a crime. His partner Detective Kristin Sims is more by-the-book in her approach to crime solving but she's also willing to "go with her gut" when assessing a suspect. Detective Constable Sam Breen is a wise ass, young, and willing to do the grunt work that has to be done to bring a case to a conclusion, even if he's not always thrilled about his assignments. Finally, Dr. Gina Kadinsky, a Russian emigre, brings an off-beat sense of humor and charm to her role as the Brokenwood Medical Examiner.
But they aren't the only interesting characters that appear in this show. The victims range from an eccentric woman who dresses in 19th Century clothes, a skydiver with a narcissistic personality disorder, a crooked businessman, and a farmer struggling to make a living. The villains are not run-of-the-mill characters either, and written in such a way that the viewer can feel a degree of sympathy for them. I also like the fact that the writers have populated the fictional Brokenwood community with a diverse group of people: A gay mayor, Maori men and women, and senior citizens add to the relatability of the scripts.
The crimes may be a little bizarre in some instances, but the situations are realistic enough that we can almost picture them occurring in our own cities and towns.
Finally, the writers are always careful to include enough red herrings to keep the audience guessing, and that makes watching these mysteries unfold.
The cast - featuring Neill Rea, Fern Sutherland, and Nic Sampson as the detectives - has settled into their roles nicely, as you would expect when people have worked together for a number of years. Some reviewers do not like that fact, apparently, but I find that it adds a sense of authenticity to the show.
In the end, it comes down to this simple fact: "Brokenwood Mysteries" is one of the finest mystery shows available today and this fourth season is just one more example of what a very good cast can do with great scripts.
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appros
Srie agréable et positive : un vrai bonheur !
Reviewed in France on January 16, 2019