The television series "Anna Pigeon Mysteries," adapted from Nevada Barr's novels, is noted for its stunning portrayal of the Rocky Mountains, though the dramatic landscapes occasionally overshadow the central mystery. The show is filmed in the Canadian Rockies, offering visuals described as akin to the Lake District amplified significantly.
The series follows Anna Pigeon, a park ranger, who finds herself in perilous situations. In one instance, the protagonist was depicted clinging to a mountainside in Montana's Glacier National Park, facing a fall and an attack by a boulder. A hallucination of her late husband reportedly provided the encouragement needed for her to escape, despite a dislocated shoulder. The narrative also touches upon Anna's past as a stage manager in New York, highlighting her resilience.
Tracy Spiridakos stars as Anna, with her FBI agent friend Frederick also featured. However, the review suggests that "Anna Pigeon Mysteries" delivers a "run-of-the-mill whodunnit." The plot escalates when a fellow ranger is found dead, with initial assumptions pointing to a cougar attack. Anna is reportedly sidelined from the investigation by her superior.
An apparent suspect emerges early in the series, identified by Anna's previous reprimand for littering. This individual is later found deceased in a remote tent. A subsequent clue, a dead pigeon left at Anna's residence, indicates that a colleague might be involved. The series reveals that Harlan, a colleague, was engaged in poaching activities. The climax involves Harlan holding Anna at gunpoint, but his attention is diverted by wildlife, allowing Anna to incapacitate him with a sedation dart.
The review questions Anna's characterization, noting her intelligence, strength, and resourcefulness, yet wonders why she would repeatedly flee from her past, even while consumed by grief. The series received a rating of three out of five stars.