TV // Jonathan Creek Series 5, Episode 1: ‘The Letters of Septimus Noone’
Starring: Alan Davies and
Sarah Alexander
It’s hard to believe this
is only the fifth series of the oddly comforting Jonathan Creek. But, after an absence
of a complete series since the last decade it’s a welcome return we greet with
this slow but satisfying opening episode The Letters of Septimus Noone.
Friday night is not a
great slot for this show it has to be said, a Sunday slot perhaps lending
itself more to this kind of show, but scheduling is less of an issue in the age
of the iPlayer so let’s get on to the juicy stuff! The last time we saw
Jonathan Creek many were disappointed, lamenting the loss of the windmill, the
sorcery interludes with Adam Klaus and the over normality of the setting. But
with no Joey to be at his side, it’s time for a more natural kind of partner. That
is, his screen wife, Polly as portrayed by Sarah Alexander.
It has to be said though,
that this opener was just that. Its purpose was to set up plot and introduce a
rather nice new house for Jonathan to look quizzical in. Arguably, a television detective should live
in accommodation that matches their mood and just as Sherlock has 221b so
Jonathan Creek needs a quirky living space to animate the often plain odd
plots. The big, old but cosy looking mansion introduced here is perfect for the
aforementioned quizzical looks.
Plot wise, it wasn’t the
best but saddled with as many strands as it had, its arguably hard to estimate
just how it could have gone any other way. But despite these shortcomings,
there was still that familiar wit and visual humour to enjoy while we try and
get used to the new setting. Frankly, it’s still odd to see Jonathan Creek
married and working in an advertising agency but you can’t be a magician’s
advisor all your life can you? And the Adam Klaus subplots were starting to get
ridiculous any way a long time ago…
Taken as a whole though,
it was a quietly satisfying opener that works better on second view than the
first. The opening sequence in the theatre was a highlight, deftly asking the
question of what should be done with those who film shows for the benefit of
five YouTube viewers. Alan Davies is
still effortless in the role, maturing the character convincingly but not by
too much. He may have started working in advertising, but the humour is still
there.
Of course, it’s difficult
to discuss the plot too much without giving things away but look out for overt
references to a certain hatted detective, more gore than has been seen in the
show for a good while and the usual country oddballs who make this show so
delightful to watch. It’s no Killing, for sure, but then again Jonathan Creek
has always been resolutely itself and that’s to be celebrated!
