‘Queens of Mystery’ Recap: ‘Sparring with Death’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say that the crime drama/murder-mystery is in a comfortable place right now. For not only is it incredibly popular, especially on television, but it has finally found a formula that pleases audiences everywhere. One where the detective in question is whip smart and uses that intelligence to solve gritty crimes and bring supremely evil and twisted individuals to justice and what makes this so pleasing… is that it, in a way, reflects the anger present in our world and seeing a good person push through the darkness to save the day, gives us hope at a time when we need it most. But while it is nice to see murder mysteries inspire in their own magical way, formula can get stale and the clones of said formula are definitely making the genre a bit stagnant at times.

Which is why stories in this vein that buck the norms and offer us more, need to be celebrated and spotlighted, since they are working to transform the genre and remind us that crime stories don’t always have to rely on one particular path and that is why Queens of Mystery on Acorn TV is of note. Because this is a murder-mystery unlike any other and we were reminded of what makes it so great, courtesy of its season two premiere. For ‘Sparring with Death’ wasted little time in reminding us of the fact that a little experimentation regarding the structure of the murder-mystery, can do wonders for it. Take for instance the opening narration of this episode, which not only refreshed us regarding the story, but quickly engaged us and enthralled us with its uniqueness.
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Plus, one cannot go wrong with the fact that this two hour/two part premiere genuinely takes its time in telling its story and in unfolding the mystery in question. Which revolved around the death of a health spa magnate and one of her customers, and by going this route, we were outright treated to a mystery as engaging as this world. Wherein each little clue held enough weight to leave us hungry to learn more and these clues also kept us guessing, and the taking the time to really savor these clues and their meaning allowed for incredible depth to come to life. The kind that genuinely allowed for the case to produce emotions for the viewer, and of course, the reveal of the perpetrator and their reasons for committing murder has power here and doesn’t feel akin to a gimmick in the slightest, making this quite the refreshing watch when all is said and done.

But while those elements could have carried this premiere through and through, there was more to love about it. Because a great crime story means nothing without incredible and dynamic investigators and being reintroduced to our four sleuths and all of their quirks and skills was a genuine treat through and through and it helped to remind us, that this series really wouldn’t work without them and their unique dynamic. But what mattered more about the return of Cat, Beth, Jane and Matlida… was that this story made a point to grow each and every one of them in some fashion. Courtesy of a lesson revolving the need to let go of the past and embrace the present. Because if we cannot do that, we will never grow and find happiness, and it was wonderful to find that little life lesson in a story where death ruled the day.

If anything, this premiere is just a fine reminder, that the crime story can be so much more than grit and bleakness and death and destruction. It can in fact, be about the wonder of life and what the people who carry on can do in the face of death. And that the genre can also be fun and engaging in a way where the audience feels in on the mystery and that’s something special right there. Since we truly love stories that find a way to include us in an organic manner, and if this premiere is any indicator of what’s to come, then we are in for quite the treat in season two. And this writer simply cannot wait to see what other lessons and wonderful moments await us as the Stone family does their best to solve impossible crimes while living life to the fullest. Until next time.

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