by Mark Murton and Linda Kay
Original Air Dates: March 6th & 7th, 2024
Starring: Thor
Directed by: Steve Barron
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!
Synopsis: In this mystery series, retired archaeologist Judith Potts (Samantha Bond) believes that a brutal murder has taken place in the sleepy town of Marlow. When the police are reluctant to believe her she teams up with local dog-walker Suzie (Jo Martin) and unfulfilled vicar’s wife Becks (Cara Horgan) and they carry out there own investigation.
Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): At the start of the first episode, Judith’s longhair gray cat, Jasper, is sitting on a wicker-framed chair near to where Judith is compiling a crossword.
A little later, Jasper (on a different chair) looks up at Judith as she disrobes for her regular morning nude swim.
The morning after Judith has reported her suspicions to the police she is asleep in bed with Jasper sitting beside her washing himself when she is awoken by a phone call.
After finishing her conversation with the sceptical police officer, Judith addresses herself to Jasper as she makes the decision to conduct her own investigation.
Later, as Judith fills in cards containing the information she has gathered so far Jasper is again sitting on a nearby chair. The shot is shown in reverse to make it look as if Jasper’s attention was suddenly drawn toward Judith.
Having now solicited the help of Suzie and Becks they create The Marlow Murder Club and meet at Judith’s house. During one of these meetings, the trio’s discussion is curtailed when their attention, and Jasper’s, is drawn to a noise from outside which they quickly identify as the burglar alarm at the victim’s house.
Some time later, the trio are again at Judith’s looking through the police files Judith “borrowed” after a visit to the police station and Jasper is again relaxing on a nearby chair.
Another meeting of the Club ends in acrimony when the others make a surprise discovery about Judith’s past and she orders them to leave. Jasper watches from the sofa as Judith strides angrily across the room.
Shortly after this Judith makes a phone call to try and speak to one of the suspects with Jasper again in close attendance.
At the end of the call Judith makes eye contact with Jasper as she makes an ominous proclamation.
Jasper makes one final appearance near the end of the story, again lying on the bed beside Judith as she reads about the successful resolution of the case and her part in it in the local paper.
Behind the Scenes
The animals on the show were trained by Colette McKenzie, including Thor, a two year old cat actor somewhat new to acting. Jasper would also return for season two. You can learn more about the animals on the set by clicking this link to a PBS interview with the trainer.
Final Mewsings: Every good detective needs their kitty sidekick.
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