Reviewed by: Cecilia Jansink
I must admit, I am a British mystery junkie. The Brits have a certain magic when it comes to intrigue and evil-doings that, while mind-blowing, lack the “ewww” factor that is often part and parcel of the mystery set. The number one show on my must watch list? The delightfully mystifying Jonathan Creek.
The series stars comedian – and downright cheeky - Alan Davies, as our title character; a creative consultant to a magician, who uses his knowledge of illusion and trickery to help solve some rather baffling and often seemingly supernatural crimes. Crimes that will leave you puzzled and begging for more. I dare you to break through the illusion and give me a culprit faster than
Jonathan can. From baths that disappear, to the reliance of a sight angle, or an old Ghost story – these murders are a cut above the rest.
Jonathan has also been treated to a spectacular trio of ladies; Caroline Quentin(Men Behaving Badly, Blue Murder, Life Begins), Julia Sawalha (Absolutely Fabulous, BBC Pride and Prejudice) and Sheridan Smith(Gavin and Stacey, Benidorm) to act as the Watson to his Holmes. These ladies, 
though apparently sidekicks, have deftly added their own stamp on this entertaining mix of murder, mystery, wit, laughs and illusion.
Each murder is plotted and wrapped up in so many layers of intrigue you will be furiously unpicking all the clues and sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for Jonathan to reveal the sleight of hand or trick of the eye. Some of the props used will have all mystery junkies imagining far flung theories, and yet, the truth will still, more often than not, be stranger than the wildest imagining. The laughs sprinkled throughout, and the cringe-worthy antics of Jonathan’s boss, keeps each episode feeling fresh and light, despite the often gruesome crimes we’re presented with. For those who are often big scaredy-cats like me, this show won’t leave you with any haunting dreams.
Jonathan Creek first ran semi-regularly from 1997-2004, and after a 5 year hiatus fans were rewarded with
two specials that once again had us on the edges of their seats. There is no news of any new mystery popping up for Jonathan to solve as yet but I live in hope! The stellar ratings 7Two has received since airing the re-runs, may be incentive enough for “the powers that be” to grant us some more illusion and magic to enthrall us all.
Whether you’ve seen them all before, or are new to the magical world of Mr Creek, this series still packs a punch to capture all.
May 31st, 2011 at 10:30 pm
For those that want to join in on Jonathan’s antic, 7Two has now moved him to Wednesday nights at 9:45pm