Whitstable Pearl Season 1 – Review
Director: David Caffrey, Jon Jones, Chanya Button
Writer: Øystein Karlsen, Julie Wassmer, Alastair Galbraith, Mike Walden, MyAnna Buring, Rachel Flowerday (Screenplay)
Cast
- Kerry Godliman (After Life)
- Howard Charles (The Scorpion King: Book of Souls)
- Frances Barber (Goal!)
- Sophia Del Pizzo (Angel Has Fallen)
- Rohan Nedd (Blue Story)
- Isobelle Molloy (Maleficent)
Plot: Local restaurant owner Pearl Nolan sets up a local detective agency after undergoing police training in an earlier career. She is soon embroiled in her first case when she discovers the body of her close friend Vinnie.
Runtime: 49 Minutes per Episodes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict on Whitstable Pearl Season 1
The Free Waters (D. David Caffrey)
The Free Waters starts when Pearl (Godliman) discovers one of her friends dead on their fishing boat. She doesn’t believe it was an accident and DCI Mike McGuire (Charles) leads the investigation. Even if Pearl becomes a suspect, she uses her former knowledge of police training to conduct her own investigation. Meanwhile, Mike must conduct his investigation, leading to the pair putting their information and resources together to find the murderer.
This is a good introduction to the characters, we get to learn about Pearl and Mike, with their different police backgrounds. It also proves that knowing your local neighbourhood can create a bond an outsider could never understand. Everything has been presented for the next set of stories for the characters with future criminal cases. (4/5)
Random Acts (D. David Caffrey)
Random Acts starts when a local estate agent is found in a diabetic coma after being forced fed marmalade. Elsewhere, Pearl receives a new case after a large amount of money is found in a letterbox. The two investigate their cases alone, however, they find a way to support each other through the strange mysteries they face.
This episode continues to show a growing respect between the two. It continues to prove that Pearl’s connection within her neighbourhood helps with her side of the case. While Mike has the skills to break down the larger side of the case. It also steps away from needing to give us a grisly murder and offers up a different type of mystery. (3/5)
Civil War (D. Jon Jones)
Civil War starts when a Civil War reenactment sees one of the members killed by a misfiring. Mike is called into investigation and the early suspects include his wife Heidi. However, she turns to Pearl for help, as she believes they have been targeted. As the case unfolds, it presents plenty of mystery about who could have been behind the crime.
This one returns to a more serious crime and gives us a much more complex case than the ones we have previously seen. It opens up the show to be ready for something much bigger than we have been expecting. It does continue to show the difference between Pearl and Mike and what they can both offer to cases. This is easily the best of the series so far and makes us want to get back for more. (5/5)
Disappearance at Oare (D. Jon Jones)
Disappearance at Oare starts when Pearl gets called to help a widow deal with an anonymous letter claiming her husband didn’t commit suicide. Pearl is asked to investigate the case. Nobody believes the widow and she is determined to prove her husband is still alive. Meanwhile, Mike is dealing with his own problems, which are making him feel isolated.
This episode takes things differently. It explores personal traumas in Pearl and Mike’s lives which have created isolated personalities. The case does take a back seat, but it is a lot harder to treat this in the same way as a modern crime. It feels refreshing and prepares us to get closer to the characters in the future. (4/5)
A Cup O’ Kindness (D. Chanya Button)
A Cup O’ Kindness starts when a mother takes her daughter out on the water. However, the boat needs help and is rescued. While Pearl and the vacationing Mike help understand what happened, which caused a scene between the troubled family. Pearl is asked to investigate the incident and finds herself learning about the family which has fallen apart. Is there something more sinister happening, or is it just an accident?
This does take the foot off the accelerator after the previous two brilliant episodes. It puts a lot more focus on Pearl tackling a case. Even if Mike finally reveals why he has been so distant in the more recent weeks. This episode wants to focus more on Pearl and Mike’s friendship and potential relationship than anything else. (3/5)
The Man on the Blue Plaque (D. Chanya Button)
The Man on the Blue Plaque starts when a 30-year skeleton is discovered offshore. It turns out it is the remains the Pearl’s father who went missing 30 years ago. Mike finds himself needing to investigate the crime with the idea it could have been murder. Elsewhere, Pearl hears the rumours about her father and what he could or couldn’t have been up to something.
This is a strong season finale, which brings everything to another level. It brings a personal connection to a crime, which has given Pearl motivation for years. This explore more the difficult connection with people from outside of the normal world. While solidifying how close the community is. (5/5)
Overall
Whitstable Pearl Season 1 is a nice mystery drama series. It shows a small seaside area which has a few crimes happening. We get to meet an unlikely partnership between Pearl and Mike, who solve the crimes differently. Like many other detective shows, we have a connection to an unsolved crime. The show places focus on the community connection which proves vital in solving the mysteries. Kerry Godliman and Howard Charlies are great in the leading roles. It gives the show a reason for us to return and learn more about the community and the blossoming relationship between Mike and Pearl.
Where to Watch
Whitstable Pearl Series 2 and Series 1 and 2 Box sets arrive on DVD and digital on 25 March 2024 from Acorn Media International.
Final Thoughts – Whitstable Pearl Season 1 is an enjoyable cosy series of mysteries.
