‘The Chelsea Detective’ Recap: ‘Everyone Loves Chloe’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Vanessa Emma and Adrian Scarborough as DS Layla Walsh and DI Max Arnold in the Season 3 Holiday Special of ‘The Chelsea Detective’ – ‘Everyone Loves Chloe’. (Photo Courtesy of Acorn TV.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season 3 Holiday Special of ‘The Chelsea Detective’.
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For the most part, holiday specials do their best to be as cheery as can be, and it makes sense as to why. After all, we firmly believe that the holidays are a perfect and joyous time. Wherein only good vibes can be found and where bad things take a break from permeating our lives, and we hold to that… because there is some measure of love and harmony during the season, and spending time with loved ones and getting and giving gifts only adds to what is really… a silly belief. Because the world doesn’t stop turning just because we have the perfect gift picked out for a loved one, and good vibes sadly do not create a season free from strife.

Which is likely why, we are starting to see specials in this vein, shatter that fantasy. Not to be rude or cruel, but to help us truly process the season and its meaning and cherish it all the more and that is why the holiday special for The Chelsea Detective on Acorn TV is worth celebrating. For it is that rare, slice of life holiday special, as evidenced by what DI Max Arnold goes through in ‘Everyone Loves Chloe’. Since we see him spend a lot of time dealing with a toothache in this tale, while struggling to reconcile with Astrid. Because life does go on while carolers sing and peppermint mochas are served, and we need to acknowledge that and understand that, along with the other bold message present in this particular tale.

In that, bad things do indeed happen during the holidays. As evidenced by the case that Max and his team deal with in this special. Because they are tasked with solving the harrowing murder of a former popstar named Chloe. Who brought forth a megahit Christmas jingle that has withstood the test of time, and the investigation into her life, revealed all kinds of ups and downs for the now deceased star. Such as how her relationship with her estranged father did not improve until far later in her life, and that despite her efforts to try and get back into the public eye in a positive manner, she was stonewalled at every turn, and subject to scrutiny untold and backlash from people she’s knows for ages.   

All of which made it seem as though, some obvious suspects were indeed the culprits here. Since her former manager had every reason to be the one to put her down, and even her close inner circle was suspect. But in the end, it turned out that a crooked cop used his brief friendship with her to his advantage. Since he was able to hang and party with a star until she no longer felt a desire to do so and was ready to expose him for his sour deeds. Which of course, ticked that cop right off and put him in a situation where it was either pay the piper, or handle matters on his own, and clearly, he chose the latter and ended dear Chloe’s life. But thankfully, Max and the team brought him to justice.

But what’s grander here, is the sheer fact that this was not a fluffy holiday special. Sure, it was set during the season, but it was all about realism here. Since we saw Max deal with some very real things we somehow forget about during the holidays, and the case truly made it clear that there is no pause during the season from the world’s ailments. Life does go on, and that means it is all the more important to cherish the great moments we do have when we sit down to celebrate. Which gives rise, to another great episode from this series. One that remains unconventional and meaningful, and this does build up some serious hype for season three itself. So, we can enjoy more powerful cases from a team of great people, just trying to do right in the world as they struggle with its highs and lows. Until next time.

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