The fifth season of "The Madame Blanc Mysteries" has premiered on Channel 5, continuing its blend of cozy crime and French Riviera charm. The latest installment sees the show increasingly lean into its vibrant supporting characters, particularly the "disreputable pair" Marlene (Sue Holderness) and the driving instructor (Robin Askwith), who have become fan favorites.
Originally conceived as cameo roles, Marlene and her companion have grown in prominence due to their engaging dynamic. Holderness, known for her role as Marlene in "Only Fools And Horses," and Askwith, recognized from the "Confessions" film series, bring a lively chemistry to their characters. Their entanglement with the local community of Sainte Victoire, where they appear to own significant portions of the village including a wine bar and a chateau, provides ample comedic and narrative potential.
Another character enjoying a more central role is taxi driver Dom, played by Steve Edge. His evolution into a romantic lead and single father has propelled him to the forefront of the series' storylines.
The series also features Sir Tony Robinson as Dom's Uncle Patrick, a small-time criminal expected to return to the narrative after an absence in the opening episode.
However, the growing emphasis on these secondary characters has led to a concern that the main protagonist, antiques dealer Jean White (Sally Lindsay), is being overshadowed. While Jean is intended to be the central figure, her role in the recent episode primarily involved observing and taking notes as the narrative spotlight shifted between various murder suspects.
When "The Madame Blanc Mysteries" first aired in 2021, its unique premise centered on Jean's expertise in "brocante," the world of second-hand treasures, which served as a key tool for decoding clues. This unique concept helped the series distinguish itself. The review suggests that Jean's character has become less visible, and the show could benefit from exploring her personal development more deeply rather than solely focusing on her eccentric friends.
Additionally, the review proposes developing the relationship between Jean and the local police inspector, Gendarme Caron. While Caron relies on Jean's expertise, their interactions are largely confined to case discussions or interrogations. Greater personal interaction could enrich their dynamic.
The article also raises a note of caution regarding the show's depiction of violence. The review suggests that a scene involving a woman being "savagely stabbed to death by a masked figure" should have occurred off-camera to maintain the cozy crime tone.
Despite these criticisms, the reviewer expresses a strong affinity for "Madame Blanc," considering it a favorite among cozy crime series. The piece concludes by suggesting that with the right balance, the show has the potential for long-term success, a sentiment likely shared by the characters themselves, who are poised to "drink to that."