The title “Murder in a Small Town” accurately describes the premise of this new Fox procedural, which centers on a homicide in the small village of Gibsons, located off the west coast of Canada. However, the title is also quite generic, lacking any unique identifiers that set this series apart from others with similar themes, such as Hulu’s “Under the Bridge” or HBO’s “True Detective.”
The show, created by Ian Weir and based on the novels by L.R. Wright, has a tone defined by the town’s constant drizzle, evoking a gray, chilliness that feels gentler than harsh. The storyline incorporates a blossoming romance that occasionally resembles a Hallmark movie.
The main characters include Karl Alberg, played by Rossif Sutherland, the police chief who has relocated from the city seeking a quieter life, and Cassandra Lee, portrayed by Kristin Kreuk, a local librarian who, despite her unfortunate romantic history, finds herself drawn to Carl, a stranger in town. Their connection begins with an online chat and progresses through a sequence of light-hearted outings before the mood shifts dramatically following the death of 85-year-old Carlyle Burke, discovered by George Wilcox, a local retiree with an affinity for Cassandra.
While marketed as a mystery, the execution feels flat. The red herrings are so overtly exaggerated that they verge on ridiculous. The resolution to the mystery lacks surprise, feeling more like an instinctive guess than a product of astute investigation. The motivations behind the actions are vague, stemming from a backstory that lacks depth.
In an attempt to compensate for the uninspired narrative, the series employs distracting camera techniques that are misaligned with the portrayal of Karl, who is depicted as an ordinary man with an eye for detail, rather than a quirky genius like Sherlock Holmes. This ordinary demeanor does not translate well into the convoluted explanations of his deductions, leaving some viewers puzzled.
The show attempts to build out the community of Gibsons but falls short; the key supporting characters barely have a chance to leave an impression, aside from the leads, Karl and Cassandra. The viewer is left wanting more engagement with the townsfolk and their secrets.
Despite the lack of exhilarating chemistry between the leads, their character dynamic offers a relatable depiction of two repressed individuals drawn together. Karl’s reserved nature and Cassandra’s readiness to tease him create a subtle but believable connection. If the show develops its characters and the town’s narrative, it might eventually reveal what makes Gibsons truly special.