‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’ Recap: ‘Ripped’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Meera Syal and Craig Parkinson as Mrs. Sidhu and DCI Burton in Episode 101 of ‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’ – ‘Ripped’. (Photo Courtesy of Laurence Cendrowicz/Acorn TV.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It really is quite fascinating, the paths we traverse in life. Because when we set out into the world, we think our plan is going to go the way we’ve envisioned it, only for us to learn… that simply will not be the case. For there are surprise moments and decisions we have to make, that suddenly change our path and take us far away from what we dreamed of or take us down a far more fascinating route that relates to our dreams and well… we get by in the end. In part because most folks find peace in the twists and turns that life sends our way, but also because… usually life brings us exactly where we want to be… when the time is right. Wherein we can seize the moment when it comes and relish what it brings us and well, this strange quirk of fate is top of mind today, because it serves as the founding theme of the new Acorn TV show, Mrs Sidhu Investigates.
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A feat that ‘Ripped’ accomplishes, by introducing us to a woman named Mrs. Sidhu. Who has a unique knack about her. In that, she knows people, on a fundamental level that they do not, and she is able to read people and understand their thoughts, actions, and motives, and well… it is obvious that this gift could be used for so much more. But life clearly took Mrs. Sidhu down a different path, one that brought her a family and love and the chance to use her fine skills with food to run a successful catering company that she is quite proud of. Giving rise to a journey that celebrates the wonder of being comfortable with where life takes us, since she clearly is happy and content with her life. But as mentioned before, life does know when to inject a twist, when to give us the chance to really shine and use our skills and our calling to our advantage, and a simple business visit to the local gym for Mrs Sidhu… does just that.

For while there, it is discovered that one of the top trainers at the gym… was brutally murdered. Prompting the police to swing by and it doesn’t take long for DCI Burton… to zero in on Mrs. Sidhu’s niece, Rani, as the prime suspect. Which of course… doesn’t sit right with Mrs. Sidhu. For she knows Rani, and knows she isn’t capable of such cruelty and madness. Which in turn pushes her… to take on the investigation herself and use her skill set to shine and find the killer, which she does. Through her cleverness and ability to win people over and really see them for who they are. Which in turn, sets the stage for a grand season of storytelling, one where DCI Burton’s career is revitalized by Mrs. Sidhu and where… a hero is born really, and that journey is so refreshing and so unique, that we won’t be breaking down the plot details all that much further from here on out. Well, outside of offering up a round of applause for a wonderfully complex “who done it?” that kept us guessing every step of the way.

Because instead, we really need to take a moment and discuss Mrs. Sidhu, and her journey… because it really is something quite special. For it is deeply rooted in some surprisingly realistic concepts for a crime story. Since truly… the universe/life/fate whatever you want to call it, will do exactly what happens here, and put us on a path we never knew we needed to be upon, badly wanted, or it is one that embraces our skill set and this is just… refreshing to find in a crime story. Or any story really. Since storytelling rarely offers up that level of realism and that level of chaos in a carefully controlled world. But it works here, and it engages us deeply. Not to mention, it helps us to root for Mrs. Sidhu. Since now… we want to see her succeed in her endeavors and be the perfect sleuth she was clearly made to be and that part of the journey… is also worth discussing. Because it is fact, supremely uplifting, which is also a surprise to find in a crime series.

After all, these shows are oft bleak and oft brooding. But here, Mrs. Sidhu serves as a beacon of hope really. Whose pure view of justice and desire to see people be treated right helps everyone to refocus their world view and their views upon their lives. Which is why it is so satisfying to see DCI Burton let some of his jaded nature in this premiere go, and embrace the light that Mrs. Sidhu exudes, and of course… we’d be foolish to not point out the importance of the character, from a diversity and representation standpoint. Since Mrs. Sidhu is a woman of Southeast Asian descent, and it’s revolutionary to see a character from Southeast Asia, in a leading role in a crime drama and well… all of these elements combine to offer up a refreshing series premiere. One filled to the brim with amazing performances from Meera Syal (Mrs. Sidhu), and Craig Parkinson (DCI Burton), and this is a story that genuinely captivates you and offers new and original ideas, courtesy of great writing from the show’s creator, Suk Pannu. And truly… it will be interesting to see what other refreshing and amazing moments await us in the weeks to come, as we continue our journey through Mrs. Sidhu’s new chapter in life. Until next time.

To learn more about the creation of this series, check out ourinterview with Suk Pannu, the creator and writer of ‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’.

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