6/10
Actors are stronger than the script
16 April 2020
The leads and several supporting actors are the pull for me: they are better than the material given and they elevate the show. Writer Racheel New's clever, capable, driven detective has to navigate expected obstacles; but two episodes in and there's nothing intimate about her character. She has suffered loss and trauma, and other than her immense love and respect for her dad, there's no nuance and NO personal flaws or struggles.

Her main housekeeper is incredibly engaging, but there is no information about her at all. Just a thought, but what if she becomes Eliza's "Dr. Watson?" In the little screen time she has, it's clear she has immense affection for Eliza, and possibly even cautious respect for her endeavors. She would make a great sidekick.

A very intriguing character is Eliza's reluctant suitor - he really blossoms, but that seems to go nowhere after an immense tease.

The editing could have been sharper and more nimble, but it feels weighty. The dichotomy between the opening sequence and the show feel like HARLOTS titles tacked onto DOWNTON ABBEY.

On the plus side, this show doesn't shy from showing Eliza in physically demanding situations, but they are spare.The plot twists are impressive and unexpected.

The major downside is every time the story feels like it's out of the starting gate, it slows to a trot. Hoping Kate Phillips (Eliza) gets more meat as the series progresses, she has a massive roster of achievements and can handle more from this show.
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