Reviewer Rating: 4.5/5.0
4.5
There’s always a secret in a small town, but someone always lets it out to the wrong people.
Fox’s “Small Town” has all the elements of a perfect murder mystery drama. However, since it’s co-produced with Canada’s Sepia Films, it’s not as scary as some American programs.
The first episode of Season 1 of Small Town Murders begins with a murder scene. In many ways, their format reminded me of another Canadian procedural – Motives – but this time the suspects weren’t as clear cut.
The series premiere is adapted from LR Wright’s Karl Alberg novel “The Suspect.” Although it is not a carbon copy, many details are similar.
Since I guessed who the suspect was early on, Small Town Murders focused more on motivation.
Something is immediately off about George Wilcox (James Cromwell). It’s understandable that finding out your elderly neighbor has passed away can be unsettling, but it seems like he’s hiding something.
At first glance, George appears to be a kind gentleman who occasionally visits his neighbors. He loves gardening and reading, and likes Cassandra (Kristin Kreuk).
We later learn that Cassandra bears a resemblance to his dead sister Audrey, which explains part of the reason.
Interestingly, Carlisle Burke was not a kindly old man who is remembered fondly. Even his sister appears cold and distant, but reveals anecdotes about how George and Carlisle have known each other for many years.
Carlisle married George’s sister Audrey, who died in an accident two years later. This gave Carl a motive, but only a hunch, no proof.
Neighbors and fish sellers soon uncover evidence against George, recounting seeing him at Carlisle’s earlier in the day, but Carl wants a foolproof confession.
George Wilcox was not an evil man; This is a complex case. It’s hard not to feel some sympathy for him. He had witnessed the abuse in his mother’s marriage, so he recognized the signs.
George saw the signs of an angry, controlling man and tried to warn his sister Audrey to stay away from Carlisle, but she wouldn’t listen and was eventually killed in an accident. We will never know if Carlisle was responsible, but Audrey’s letters reveal that Carlisle abused her.
Is murder the answer? No. Cassandra is right. Justice is not always black and white. This is a gray case, as domestic violence situations often are.
George is a dying old man. Prison is not the place for him, but is it fair to let him go? He also benefited from the fact that Carl Ahlberg showed him more compassion than most police officers.
While the case is interesting and James Cromwell does an excellent job, the appeal of the series is Carl and Cassandra’s relationship. Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk already have sizzling chemistry and angst. I’ve already shipped it.
Romance is often pushed to the side during proceedings. I love that we see their first blind date, including their awkwardness as they get to know each other.
Cassandra seems to be more cautious about the date than Carl, as he considers it a friendly lunch.
Neither seems like the type to use dating sites, and I’m not surprised that Cassandra admitted that her friends encouraged her to use dating sites. She is used to being independent and single, which many men don’t like.
Watching them talk about anything is part of their charm. Carl is one of those guys who doesn’t need an elaborate date and is happy to spend time with her.
I usually like slow burn couples, but I also appreciate their banter and instant connection. There’s something about the cinematography between their passionate kiss and George’s menacing rowing on the lake.
Their relationship was going so well that there was only room for downside. Part of it was mixing work with play, and part of it was Cassandra’s trust issues.
She thinks Carl will only like her if she can help him, and Carl believes she should trust him enough to confide in him about George. They had only known each other for a few days and didn’t know each other well enough to make these assumptions about their relationship.
Thankfully, our suspect George Wilcox plays matchmaker and sends each of them a letter suggesting that Carl should be nicer to Cassandra.
So far, the show hasn’t made much use of supporting characters. Sgt. Sid Sokolowski and Corporal Edwina Yan assist Carl on the case, but Andy Kendrick and Isabella barely appear. Maybe we’ll see more of them in future episodes.
Staff Sergeant Edwina Yen (played by Mia Lowe) surprised both the audience and her superiors with her interview performance with the suspect. She reassured them and got witnesses to open up. I’d love to know more about her.
She and Sid (Aaron Douglas) soon learn that Carl solves cases by looking at the big picture and studying anything that seems out of place. It’s going to be interesting to see these three working together.
Hopefully we’ll learn more about Carl and Cassandra’s family in the next few issues.
We see his eldest daughter and hear that he is estranged from his younger daughter. If he’s dating Cassandra, the series needs to explore that more.
This series is unlike many programs. It’s similar to other cozy mysteries and might fill a void for some Will Trent fans.
What did you think of the Small Town series premiere? Do you like Carl and Cassandra’s relationship? Do you suspect George is the murderer?
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share them with us below.
