What is it? Agatha Raisin, Season 1, nine episodes on three discs from Acorn Media
When? Tuesday
How much? $59.99
Who is Agatha Raisin? Agatha Raisin (Ashley Jensen) is a super-successful, high-powered public relations executive who has, since childhood, had one goal in life: Make a lot of money, retire early and move to a cottage in the Cotswolds.
That day finally arrives and Agatha sells her business and moves to the picturesque little village of Carsely. As idyllic as it seems, though, Agatha doesn't quite fit in. Her flashy style and pushy personality are at odds with the reserved locals.
In an attempt to win them over, she enters a quiche-baking competition. But when the judge dies under mysterious circumstances after eating her quiche, she decides she's going to have to do some sleuthing to clear her name and make village life bearable.
Along the way, Agatha discovers that her tenacity and brainstorming skills are a perfect fit for private investigating. The townspeople realize it too, and start to come to her with their troubles, which are many. All of a sudden, the quiet corner of England is positively brimming with murders.
She has her former assistant, Roy Silver (Mathew Horne), her cleaning lady Gemma Simpson (Katy Wix) and her neighbor's attractive brother James Lacey (Jamie Glover) to help her out. And it's a good thing, too. While Detective Constable Wong (Matt McCooey) -- who harbors a massive crush on Agatha -- and Detective Inspector Wilkes (Jason Barnett) mean well, they're not exactly experienced in solving major crimes.
What's it like? This falls into the category of lighthearted, cozy, breezy British mystery. Sure, there are murders. But it all comes over as fairly harmless and fun.
There is some drama mixed in on occasion, but the series is at its best when it's being funny.
Agatha might not be everybody's cup of tea. She can be abrasive, selfish and prone to making bad decisions. But she's ultimately lovable and good-hearted.
The characters are charmingly quirky, the location shooting is gorgeous and it's pretty entertaining overall.
How does the series compare to the books? In the bonus features, the creators freely admit that they've made some adjustments, such as modernizing the stories and making changes to Agatha to fit their vision and their leading lady.
Author M.C. Beaton seems OK with it, but some readers have been decidedly unhappy with the finished product.
Extras? A few short bits on location shooting, casting and the series in general.
New this week: Ancient Aliens, Season 9; Janet King, Season 2; Miami Vice, complete series.
Next week: As Time Goes By, Silver Anniversary Collection; Curious George, Season 9; Heartland, Season 9; Hell on Wheels, Season 5, Volume 2; The IT Crowd, complete series; The Librarians, Season 1; Outlander, Season 2; Silent Witness, Season 18; The Walking Dead, Season 6 (Blu-ray).
Style on 10/23/2016