DVD Review: Murder in Suburbia

A value-priced complete collection of the hit contemporary mystery series, Murder in Suburbia Complete Collection arrives on DVD on August 26, 2014 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:RLJE) brand. The 2004-05 ITV and BBC America series stars Caroline Catz (Doc Martin, The Vice) and Lisa Faulkner (Murdoch Mysteries, MI-5, Burn It) as DI Kate Ashurst and DS Emma Scribbins in this sharp and entertaining British mystery. The two detectives patrol an upscale suburb where perfect-looking lives crack to reveal all kinds of depravity. This DVD 4-disc set features twelve episodes ($59.99, AcornOnline.com). The series is also available on Acorn TV, the premier British TV streaming service in North America at www.Acorn.TV.

Meet Kate Ashurst and Emma Scribbins sassiest, sexiest investigative team in the Middleford Criminal Investigative Department. Better known as Ash and Scribbs, the two are an unlikely pair: Ash, a graduate of a posh girls’ academy, has an analytical mind that serves her well when solving murders. Scribbs, who grew up in the working class, relies more on her instincts than what the facts seem to tell her. Along with their handsome, bemused boss (Jeremy Sheffield, Coronation Street), they are an unstoppable team in the seemingly perfect suburbs of Middleford.

In this complete collection, which includes both series’ of the hit mystery, Catz and Faulkner sparkle as the bickering, bantering crime-solvers. Filled with a blend of ironic humor and chutzpah, this lighthearted crime drama will have you cheering as Ash and Scribbs face up against political corruption, secretive millionaires, salsa dancers, and real estate agents to catch the killer.

Street Date: August 26, 2014                                   SRP: $59.99  

DVD 4-Disc Set: 12 episodes – Approx. 558 min. – SDH Subtitles

UPC 0-54961-2021-9-5                                              ISBN 978-1-62172-021-8

Contains nudity, coarse language, and sexual situations

My Thoughts

I love shows that feature strong female leads so I was excited to watch this series. Murder in Suburbia features a detective duo that are as different as night and day, but still make the perfect team when they merge their book smarts and street smarts to solve the crimes in the suburbs.This box set brings you all twelve episodes in one great package.

Season 1

Episode 1 - A business woman is murdered and it seems to be tied to an adult club called Applejacks, leaving the team with a pile of rich suspects.

Episode 2 - An environmentalist housewife is trying to raise money to stop the killing of animals in Africa, but gets in the way of the wrong people.

Episode 3 - A stag party starts out with fun and drinks but ends in murder.

Episode 4 - When a Mercedes turns up in flames, the team suspects murder.

Episode 5- Parents might be resorting to murder to get their kids into the classy Middleford Comprehensive school.

Episode 6 - Neighbors were complaining about Bernard's loud home improvements, but who knew they were annoyed enough to kill.

Season 2

Episode 1 - A teenage girl is murdered in a graveyard. Her diary reveals she was dabbling in witchcraft, but was this a case of black magic or a jilted love.

Episode 2 - Not many people like this estate agent and there are plenty of suspects when someone ends his career with a paperweight to the back of the head.

Episode 3 - It's no fairytale wedding when the father of of the bride turns up dead.

Episode 4 - A Salsa dancer takes a tumble off the balcony and it looks like her last dance might have led to murder.

Episode 5 - The owner of a doggy day care turns up dead, leaving the owners of the pets in the dog house.

Episode 6 - A former 50's icon is found drugged and drowned in his own bathtub. Though his career  ended long ago, the rivalry was definitely still there.

Overall, the acting is suburb, the settings are realistic, and they crimes always leave you on the edge of your seat. It's a great show for any fans of the genre. If you'd like to grab a copy of this great series for yourself, you can order it on Acorn Media for only $59.99 or pick up a copy on Amazon.