Murder Before Evensong: A Unique Spin on Cosy Crime
The adaptations of Rev Richard Coles’ novel Murder Before Evensong bring fresh energy to the cosy crime genre, showcasing a unique narrative that transcends typical formulaic elements, reports BritPanorama.
Set in 1988 Champton, a fictional village in the West Midlands, the series features Matthew Lewis, known for his role in the Harry Potter films, portraying Canon Daniel Clement as he navigates a murder investigation that disrupts the tranquillity of church life. The plot kicks off when Daniel discovers a body in his church, a local history enthusiast who held blackmail information on his brother, a village squire. This intriguing start sets the stage for a series that reflects both the pastoral complexities and societal tensions of the era.
As the local police inspector, DS Neil Vanloo, played by Amit Shah, engages Daniel in the investigation, he emphasizes the clergyman’s unique insights into village dynamics, illuminating the intersection of community and crime. The story also addresses darker themes, such as Daniel receiving threatening letters after visiting AIDS patients—a poignant reminder of the social challenges of the time.
Coles, an openly gay pop star turned vicar, imbues the narrative with his experiences, using humour and wit to navigate issues of faith and sexuality. As the series unfolds, it mirrors the evolving landscape for the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s, marked by the contentious Section 28 legislation. The inclusion of sharp dialogue and eccentric characters, particularly Daniel’s mother, Audrey, portrayed by Amanda Redman, injects a necessary vibrancy, counterbalancing the series’ more serious undertones.
Despite the Church of England seeing a decline in attendance, the appeal of ecclesiastical crime dramas is on the rise, with Murder Before Evensong standing out due to its nuanced storytelling. Coles strategically uses the genre’s tropes to discuss personal and societal issues, carving out a distinctive niche within the crowded field of cosy crime narratives.
Murder Before Evensong continues next Tuesday at 9pm on 5.
