The new Fox series titled Murder in a Small Town is both revealing and misleading. It focuses on a homicide, likely multiple, set in a small village named Gibsons on Canada’s west coast. However, the title is generic, offering no unique indication of what sets this show apart from other series like Hulu’s Under the Bridge or HBO’s True Detective, which also explore murders in small-town settings.
Created by Ian Weir and based on the books by L.R. Wright, the most striking aspect of Murder in a Small Town is the moody ambiance created by the perpetual rain and chill, resembling a cozy, yet melancholic environment. The plot also introduces a budding romance, reminiscent of a Hallmark film, featuring police chief Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) who moves to Gibsons seeking a quieter life, and local librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk), who finds herself drawn to him.
Their relationship begins pleasantly after meeting on a dating app but takes a darker turn when 85-year-old Carlyle Burke (R.H. Thompson) is discovered dead in his home by George Wilcox (James Cromwell), a grumpy retiree with a fondness for Cassandra. While the show promises a murder mystery, the plot execution falls flat. The clues lack subtlety, with red herrings exaggerated to the point of absurdity, leaving both characters and viewers unsurprised by the conclusion, which feels more like an instinctive leap than clever detective work.
To visually represent Karl’s investigative thinking, the show employs flashy camera work that may seem over-the-top and contradictory to his character, who is portrayed as an average man with observational skills rather than an eccentric genius. The storytelling misses the chance to delve into the community of Gibsons, neglecting to weave in deeper character connections or explore potential secrets.
In the first 90-minute episode, only Karl and Cassandra are fleshed out, while supporting characters, like Cassandra’s friend Phyllis (Fiona Vroom) and incoming police officer Yen (Mya Lowe), remain flat and underdeveloped. Despite this, the leads, Sutherland and Kreuk, are reasonably engaging. Karl is depicted as reserved yet decent, while Cassandra balances her optimism with practicality.
Their chemistry is subtle but relatable, portraying two guarded individuals slowly drawn to each other. With time, it is hoped that Murder in a Small Town will reveal more about its unique setting and characters, allowing viewers to understand what truly makes this story special.