The new Fox procedural series, Murder in a Small Town, carries a title that is both descriptive and vague. While it indeed focuses on a homicide—potentially multiple homicides—and is set in the quaint village of Gibsons on Canada’s west coast, the title does little to differentiate it from other murder mysteries like Hulu’s Under the Bridge or HBO’s True Detective. In the premiere episode, the show itself appears uncertain about its unique angle.
Murder in a Small Town, created by Ian Weir and inspired by L.R. Wright’s novels, features a generally somber atmosphere, embodied by the ongoing drizzle in the village—it’s gray and chilly, but not harsh. A significant part of the narrative centers on a developing romance that feels almost cozy, reminiscent of a Hallmark film.
The storyline follows Karl Alberg, portrayed by Rossif Sutherland, a police chief who relocates from the city to Gibsons in search of a quieter life. His love interest, local librarian Cassandra Lee, played by Kristin Kreuk, is intrigued by him despite her previous romantic misfortunes.
After connecting on a dating app, the couple enjoys leisurely moments, including lunch at a café and walks in the woods, leading to a seemingly idyllic relationship. However, the narrative quickly shifts focus back to the mystery when 85-year-old Carlyle Burke is discovered dead in his home by a retiree named George Wilcox.
Despite the promise of intrigue suggested by its title, the show’s mystery execution leaves much to be desired. Clues and distractions are pushed to absurd lengths, making it hard to take the plot seriously; the resolution feels predictable, lacking a clever investigative approach. The motivations behind the crime are poorly developed, lacking depth for the characters involved.
In an attempt to illustrate Karl’s detective skills, the series uses exaggerated camera work and visual effects that come off as cheesy, conflicting with Karl’s portrayal as an ordinary individual skilled in observation. Karl’s straightforward nature contrasts with the overly stylized attempts to amplify his investigative prowess, leading to confusion even about simple explanations he provides.
The series seems to miss an opportunity for character development within the community of Gibsons, which appears to be filled with intriguing locals and shared secrets. However, the audience is introduced primarily to Karl and Cassandra, with other characters poorly fleshed out.
Despite these shortcomings, the two leads are somewhat engaging. Sutherland’s portrayal of Karl is reserved yet decent, exuding a sense of melancholy. Cassandra, a bubbly yet pragmatic character, complements him well. While their chemistry does not ignite the screen, their dynamic—a blend of stoicism and straightforwardness—suggests potential for growth.
Murder in a Small Town may eventually reveal what makes its setting special, but for now, it struggles to stand out in a crowded genre.