Anna Pigeon Mysteries Offers Stunning Scenery but a Familiar Whodunnit

The new mystery series, "Anna Pigeon Mysteries," adapted from Nevada Barr's novels, presents a compelling protagonist against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery filmed in the Canadian Rockies. However, the show's narrative struggles to rise above the conventions of a standard detective drama, with the spectacular landscapes often overshadowing the unfolding plot.

The series premiere saw the titular character, portrayed by Tracy Spiridakos, in a perilous situation, clinging to a mountainside with a dislocated shoulder. Her rescue, facilitated by a hallucination of her late husband and her own resilience, highlights her resourcefulness, a trait honed through her experiences as a national park ranger.

Spiridakos is described as watchable in the role of Anna, and her FBI agent friend, Frederick, is noted for his cool demeanor. Despite these engaging elements, the central mystery – the death of a fellow ranger in Montana's Glacier National Park – is deemed a run-of-the-mill whodunnit. The initial assumption of a cougar attack is quickly called into question as Anna investigates.

A suspect is soon identified, marked by a prior reprimand from Anna for littering. The plot takes a predictable turn when Anna and her colleague Harlan discover the suspect deceased. The appearance of a dead pigeon on Anna's doorstep serves as a clue, ultimately revealing Harlan as the culprit, involved in poaching activities. The resolution sees Anna incapacitating Harlan with a sedation dart during a tense confrontation.

The review questions whether Anna's character, despite her strength and capabilities, is truly served by her apparent tendency to evade her past, a recurring theme hinted at in the series.