A Lovely Mystery-Drama Series on Fox

There’s something comforting about going again to among the most basic genres. Based mostly on the Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries by L.R. Wright, and tailored by Ian Weir, Fox‘s latest drama “Homicide in a Small City” — within the single episode supplied to critics — combines thriller and romance for a wonderfully gratifying expertise. Set within the attractive coastal British Columbia neighborhood of Gibsons, the no-frills collection follows new-to-town police chief Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland), who has a particular knack for particulars and fixing the crimes plaguing the city and its residents. Karl doesn’t count on to fall for Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk of “Smallville”), a librarian whose daring perspective unnerves and excites him. Charmingly predictable with a sliver of edge, the present is an all-inclusive crowd-pleaser (once more, by way of all of 1 episode).

“Homicide in a Small City’s” 90-minute premiere opens on a seemingly quiet day in Gibsons. An aged man, George Wilcox (particular visitor star James Cromwell), is seen watering his crops. One other gentleman is noticed dropping an merchandise off at a neighbor’s home. Elsewhere within the inside of a house, a loud argument is heard. Shortly thereafter, an unseen assailant clobbers a person over the pinnacle, and watches blood pour out of his wound as the person falls useless to the ground.

Elsewhere, a decided Cassandra enters a restaurant for her date with Karl. The pair initially related on a relationship app, however this primary in-person rendezvous goes off and not using a hitch. Viewers be taught that whereas Karl is in his post-divorce period, Cassandra desires to maintain issues enjoyable and informal. Although the duo are simply assembly in actual life, their banter is compelling, including wanted depth to the cliché-filled plot.  

Nearly as quickly because the date concludes, Karl finds himself on the scene of the homicide. He learns the deceased sufferer is Carlyle Burke (R.H. Thomson), a longtime Gibsons resident who wasn’t all that beloved. Karl’s staff, Corporal Edwina Yen (Mya Lowe), Sergeant Sid Sokolowski (Aaron Douglas) and Constable Andy Kendrick (Fritzy-Klevans Destine) are all succesful. Nevertheless, the police chief has a knack for recognizing the tiny clues others have missed. In what seems like a extra retro type of filming that features whip pan pictures, the viewers is compelled to look at the crime scene by way of Karl’s discerning eyes. Nearly as rapidly as he scans the room, he notices one thing is amiss. 

The crimes depicted in “Homicide in a Small City” — within the one episode — aren’t large unsolvable enigmas. In actual fact, with such apparent hints, any viewer paying a fraction of consideration will possible remedy the case earlier than the episode’s halfway level. Nevertheless, this tacky familiarity makes the collection enjoyable even within the face of some actually baffling writing selections (particularly some weird mentions of race).

Karl and Cassandra’s budding affair facilities the present. Whereas the couple have an intense connection, their contrasting personalities — his mild and affected person and hers, no-nonsense and brash — add to the narrative battle as they get to know each other. The collection additionally has little interest in the sluggish burn. A contentious disagreement towards the top of Episode 1, “The Suspect,” illustrates the would-be couple’s opposing worldviews, highlighting potential discord sooner or later. 

Regardless of its hokeyness, “Homicide in a Small City” is entertaining. Its cozy rhythm is why reveals like Netflix’s “Virgin River” are such hits. Rigidity, each sexual and in any other case, between Cassandra and Karl will entice viewers to proceed tuning in if solely to see how their relationship blossoms. Furthermore, although every episode focuses on a distinct crime, questions surrounding Karl and Cassandra’s pasts supply “Homicide” much-needed texture. 

“Homicide in a Small City” isn’t revolutionary. From the romance to the all-too-obvious homicide instances, the collection has little interest in being intelligent or slick. Nevertheless, as a result of it is aware of precisely what it’s and doesn’t attempt to do the rest, the present hits the nail on the pinnacle as a lovely procedural with a Nineties-esque really feel. 

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