Written by John Edward Betancourt For the most part, crime dramas and cozy mysteries and any story relating to crime really, tend to keep their two main storylines separate. Which means we are often treated to an in-depth look at the case in question, alongside a plot thread that grows the characters or explains their backstory and it makes sense as to why this is often the case. Because keeping those two worlds separate, allows for the audience to clear their head when it comes to the crime in question and get to know the intrepid investigators that they are steadily growing attached to, giving rise to balance in a story that is basically mired in chaos. But there was mention of the fact that not every crime story follows this edict. For there are some that are eager to see if a particular exploration and/or thematic concept can extend beyond the hero detective and apply to the story in general, and one such show that has taken the time to explore such possibilities is Queens of Mystery on Acorn TV. For Creator/Writer Julian Unthank is always eager to try new things with this unique and dynamic series and his preference to experiment boldly with crime stories, allowed for him to craft a powerful tale this go round, one universally grounded in the power of the past and how it can haunt us in both mysterious and unhealthy ways. A feat that ‘Smoke & Mirrors, First Chapter’ accomplished by having two key characters deal with their respective pasts in very different ways. One of which was Detective Sergeant Mattie Stone. For the need to dig into old files for the department, led to the reveal of old files about her mother and that in turn… reminded her of how unresolved the past is for her and how much she is desperate to know about what happened to her mother. Which spoke to our need to have answers regarding our past, especially when it comes to issues involving unfinished business with family members, since it provides us with peace and allows for us to grow, making Mattie’s journey the positive exploration regarding the past. As for the ugly one, well that came about by way of the case at hand. For one of Jane’s books had been purchased by the ultra-talented actor, Sir Lawrence Shaw, to be adapted for the stage and well… that wasn’t going as planned and to complicate matters further… Shaw turned up dead during rehearsals. Which brought forth a detailed investigation that dug into Shaw’s sorted past. Which revealed all kinds of regrets and broken relationships that truly helped to transform Shaw into an arrogant monster that only had acting left to hold onto. Reminding us quite plainly that when we leave unresolved issues in our past, they can bring us more harm than good… including death if we project it on the wrong moment or person. But of course, the details on who actually committed this crime, will have to wait for the final chapter. But in the interim, we can once again celebrate another brilliant chapter from this series. One that did a phenomenal job of integrating a central theme into every aspect of the story and in doing so, proved that they don’t have to stay separate in this kind of story. For when it is done properly, the same effect for the audience is present and the show is still enjoyable and it just goes to show that Queens of Mystery is a show ahead of its time and truly, it will be both satisfying and bittersweet to see how this case ends. Since that will signal the end of our journey through season one of this magnificent show. Until next time.
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