True crime isn’t my jam because a lot of times it can be so dark—and understandably reflective of the real world—that it’s personally tough to stomach. I’d rather stay away than run toward it. But a good whodunnit with humor and heart sprinkled in between? Sign me up—all day, every day. I’ll never say no. From Agatha Christie classics to shows like Endeavour and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, where there’s a good crime show that’s a bit more cozy, I’ll always be seated.
And romance into the max, then we’ve officially tapped into a part of my brain very few genres can scratch as intensely. That’s why I knew that if nothing else, I’d appreciate BritBox’s Tommy & Tuppence, but to love it this much is an incredible surprise and flavored cold foam on top of a perfect pumpkin spice latte. (It’s fall, so naturally, this is where my brain goes. Enjoy the puns.) It’s one of the most entertaining shows of the year, and if you’re still on the fence, I’m here to convince you.
The Characters Are Fully Fleshed Out
A lot of times—and understandably—we don’t get to spend too much time getting to know characters in a whodunnit movie. But because Tommy & Tuppence is a show, and Christie was always so exceptional at layering her heroes, they end up being fully fleshed out, right from the beginning, too.
We not only get ample time to get to know both titular characters, but Imelda Staunton’s Aunt Ada too throughout the course of the debut season. And considering this is only the first season, it’s exciting to think about how much more the show can deliver as more books get adapted.
The Performances in Tommy & Tuppence Are Incredible
Well-written characters on paper are one thing, but bring in excellent actors to fill their shoes and layer them, then we get something completely magical. And as someone who’s had great respect for each of these actors from different properties, it’s incredible to see how they make you forget all those other roles when watching Tommy & Tuppence.
Both Josh Dylan and Antonia Thomas are outstanding in their respective roles, each bringing a full range of emotions that makes every scene sparkle to life in a manner that’s not only entertaining but rewarding to see as a viewer.
There’s Romance
If you know anything about me and the fact that I’m also a romance author, then you know I’ll always recommend a romance. The relationship we get between the titular characters isn’t canon yet, but because it is in the books and they’re now in their second chance romance era, everything we get on screen is glorious.
Their chemistry sparkles, the love they have for each other is palpable, and there’s so much longing that it makes every scene they share the kind of treat that we don’t often see with whodunnits. We get a lot of great partnerships and alliances, sure, but a romance is rare, and again, if this is just the first season, I cannot wait to see what else we’ll get in the future.
Every Episode Is a Feast
There are so many amazing whodunnits out there, so it can be hard to choose which one’s worth investing in, but everything about Tommy & Tuppence works to deliver cases that are not only genuinely riveting but challenging to predict. As someone who almost always knows who the killer is, I continue to be so impressed with the execution in this show, and that much is even more true in the finale.
The Fall Vibes Are Immaculate
The last two episodes in particular, gorgeously directed by Ellie Heydon, are a fall dream. You know how people consistently turn to Gilmore Girls this time of year? That’ll be me with the first season of Tommy & Tuppence and these last two episodes in particular. Every scenic shot is stunning, and how Heydon underscores the emotions in the scene all while giving us legitimately picturesque frames is no small feat.
So if you’re anything like me and love seasonally appropriate shows and movies, run, don’t walk to watch Tommy & Tuppence. Guaranteed you’ll be just as obsessed.