‘Queens of Mystery’ Recap – ‘Murder in the Dark: First Chapter’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say, that each and every one of us out there, have stumbled upon a television series… that outright takes us by surprise in all the right ways. It could be because it features a stunning performance (or performances) that captivate us like never before or it could offer up a storytelling concept so unique that one simply has to see it through to the end. Or it could simply be so original and refreshing and unlike anything else on television, that not watching it and sharing its wonder with others, would be a crime, and one particular series that meets all of those criteria… is Queens of Mystery on Acorn TV. Because this cozy murder mystery… is the most original crime saga to hit the airwaves in years, so much in fact, that it deserves a deeper dive into its mythos.
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For this is a show that simply has to be celebrated from beginning to end which is why we are gathered here today to discuss it once more. Because sadly, there are no new episodes to fawn over at the moment, but there is a season one that we here at NTG haven’t had a chance to dig into just yet. And with the world in a sour place yet again… now seems like the perfect time to lose ourselves into this whimsical world once more, in a manner different from our prior recaps. For we are going to dive deep into every single chapter as they stand on Acorn TV to properly appreciate every single wondrous moment that this series has to offer. In fact, it has become so apparent that this series has so much depth… that a rewatch of season two is likely in the cards as well to properly appreciate its majesty.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s best we refocus on the series premiere and point out how ‘Murder in the Dark: First Chapter’ is a masterclass on how start a series. Because this particular opening chapter, not only does an incredible job of immersing the audience into this whimsical and plucky world through flawless exposition, but it also does a wonderful job of informing us of what’s at stake for DS Matilda Stone and what she’s searching for. And her quest is so relatable that you’re immediately attached to her and rooting for her to succeed, and the wonder of this introductory tale doesn’t end there. Because it also takes the time to properly introduce us to her aunts and help us to understand what they’re all about, and all of this is just rare to find in murder mysteries. Since they tend to use reveals of what the characters stand for as a hook to keep us coming back for more.

Instead, it’s used here as an advantage since their quirks and talents allow for them to dig right into the case at hand. Which involves, via delicious irony, the death of a murder mystery writer at an awards ceremony for murder mystery writers, and even that death is handled in handled in the most unique manner imaginable. Since in many ways, the setting and the style of this heinous crime and the introduction of the suspects… harbors a throwback feel to classic crime stories on television, with a modern twist of course, and this too… is utter genius to find here. Since it keeps things fresh from beginning to end and throwing in the possibility that Beth Stone might know something about the victim's passing… only adds to the intrigue and allows for one quality cliffhanger to come into play.

If anything, all of these elements make this… a perfect and bold series premiere. Because everything here feels organic and fleshed-out and that’s rare to find in a premiere/pilot. Since most of them are a work in progress. But if one were to just, stumble, upon this episode, they’d not know this one from the season two finale and that’s a testament to creator/writer Julian Unthank’s skills as a writer. As for the bold nature of this premiere, well that lies within the honesty present here, since few shows inform the audience of what they’re about, this quickly. But in doing so here… you know exactly what you’re getting into and that allows for one to really enjoy the mystery at hand, and in a way, helps you to appreciate the characters more, and you really cannot ask for more from a premiere than that. But what matters most, is that this episode informs us… that we are going to be in for quite the treat over the next few weeks as we explore every last corner of Wildemarsh. Until next time.  

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