DVD Review : Case Histories - The Complete Collection

From the creator of Life on Mars (Ashley Pharoah), Case Histories Complete Collection arrives on DVD on March 31, 2015 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Based on the bestselling novels by Kate Atkinson (Life After Life), Case Histories stars Golden Globe® nominee Jason Isaacs (Dig, Awake, Harry Potter, The Patriot) as Jackson Brodie, a former Edinburgh cop turned private detective. This character-driven drama features superb scripts and an International Emmy^®-nominated performance by Isaacs, all set against the ruggedly beautiful Scottish scenery. This BBC1 series aired for two seasons (2011, 2013) and has been broadcast on public television in the U.S. Case Histories co-stars Amanda Abbington (Sherlock), Natasha Little (Kidnap and Ransom), Phil Davis (Vera Drake), Keith Allen (Robin Hood), Millie Innes, and Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat). This DVD 4-disc boxed set features 9 episodes (6 feature-length mysteries) plus bonus behind-the-scenes featurettes and cast and crew interviews ($59.99, AcornOnline.com).

Jackson Brodie is an ex-cop now trying to make a living as a private detective in Edinburgh. Tough but good-hearted, Brodie can’t turn a blind eye to injustice and people in need. Although it does little to line his pockets, he finds himself investigating everything from lost cats to missing children and killers on the run.

While Brodie tries to bring resolution to his clients, his own life is unfailingly turbulent. He adores his young daughter (Millie Innes) but struggles to see her regularly. He thoroughly exasperates his assistant, Deborah (Zawe Ashton), and his former colleague on the force, Louise (Amanda Abbington), who nonetheless has a soft spot for him. And he has complicated romantic relationships, particularly with beautiful actress Julia (Natasha Little).

BONUS Behind-the-scenes featurettes (33 min.) and cast and crew interviews (27 min.)

My Thoughts

Jackson Brodie is a private detective trying to make a living in Scotland. He is struggling to make ends meat and dealing with the untimely deaths of both of his siblings, but he still trudges on and often helps others find the closure he's been denied. This box set  includes all nine exciting episodes of the series.

 Case Histories, Part 1 - Brodie gets two big cases at once. Two sisters are searching for their murdered sister and a father seeks justice for his murdered daughter.

  Case Histories, Part 2 - A women Brodie meets in a bar coaxes him into helping find her neice.

One Good Turn, Part 1 - Brodie spies a dead woman floating out to sea. When the police refuse to help, Brodie investigates himself.

One Good Turn, Part 2 - Brodie witnesses an accident and the perp might be trying to kill him. There may also be a connection to the body lost at sea.

When Will There Be Good News? Part 1 - A husband claims his wife and child are staying with a relative but Brodie isn't so sure.

When Will There Be Good News? Part 2 - Brodie has a lead on the missing wife and child and learns the connection they have to his client.

Started Early, Took My Dog- Brodie helps an Australian woman find her birth parents. His investigation uncovers dark secrets from the past that could turn a child's world upside down.

Nobody's Darling- A woman hires Brodie to see if her fiance is cheating on her and in a bizarre twist, also gets hired to investigate whether that same jealous woman may have murdered her soon-to-be husband's previous fiance. In this episode, Brodie's daughter moves to town to live with him.

Jackson and the Women- Brodie takes on two separate cases. One young man comes to him and asks him to help figure out who killed his mother when he was three. The second case involves a missing nineteen year old girl.

If you want to get the advantage of a full set of amazing  stories that are loaded with murder and intrigue, than this is the box set for you. You can order Case Histories: The Complete Collection for only $59.99 at Acorn Media or find it on Amazon.