That's Entertainment: Jonathan Creek
Since time immemorial few types of stories have delighted us as much as whodunits. We don't care whether the case is solved by a policeman, a private eye, a writer, a priest, or a plucky young girl; we just like seeing seemingly impossible crimes solved and their perpetrators brought to justice.
But what if, instead of trying to figure out the who-dunit, the solution focused on the how-dunit? That's just what David Renwick did in his show Jonathan Creek, which ran for four series on BBC1, from 1997 to 2004 (with special episodes in 2009 and 2010).
"We mustn't confuse what's impossible with what's implausible. Just about everything I dream up for a living relies on stuff that's highly implausible. That's what makes it so hard to work out; no one thinks you'd go to that much trouble to fool your audience."
— Jonathan Creek, "Jack in the Box"
Jonathan Creek (played by Alan Davies) is a creative consultant to a magician, meaning he designs the various illusions and tricks used in the act. Jonathan loves the art and ingenuity of magic, and he has a talent for looking at situations and seeing beyond their appearances. After a chance meeting at a party, Jonathan is somewhat suckered into helping investigative journalist Maddy Magellen (played by Caroline Quentin) help prove that the suspect the police have in custody didn't do it. Thus begins their crime-solving partnership, specializing in impossible crimes, locked-room mysteries, and plenty of awkward interpersonal moments.
I came to Jonathan Creek sort of sideways, which is something I'm sure Jonathan himself would appreciate. I remember commercials for it on BBC America back in 2002 and 2003, though nothing stuck but the name. This September I was doing a bit of research for my Muggle Studies lesson on the show QI. I was familiar with Stephen Fry outside of the show, but Alan Davies was more of a mystery. Reading about his life and career on Wikipedia, I found out he starred in this show, Jonathan Creek. As I remembered the name and nothing else about it, I looked up the show to see what it was about. The concept seemed interesting, I thought; when I saw the show co-starred Caroline Quentin, who I enjoyed on the original Whose Line Is It Anyway?, I decided to check it out.
I was not disappointed.
While I don't watch every crime show ever, procedurals are a regular part of my television diet. I don't usually try and solve the cases before the characters, but I've been known to see where the story will end up before it gets there. That's not the case with Jonathan Creek. I'm not sure that I worked out any of the proper mysteries in Jonathan Creek; the show's good about showing the clues but not telegraphing the answer to the audience. In spite of my not seeing the solutions until Jonathan explained them, they all made perfect sense; I never felt like there's something missing in the solution. It's a hard balance to strike between being exceptionally clever without making your audience feel stupid, and I think the show balances that well.
For me one of the most enjoyable parts of the show is the relationship between Jonathan and Maddy. They're delightfully awkward together while simultaneously being totally comfortable with one another. There were times I definitely wanted less plot so we could spend more time with the two of them just hanging out. (But that's me, really, with any procedural-type show I get into — come for the mystery; stay for the characters who by god better be happy because I ship everyone with happiness.)
With only 27 episodes, Jonathan Creek is a fun and inventive alternative to your typical crime drama. Add to that great relationships and subtle character growth, and you've got a wholly enjoyable show.
Disclaimer: It should be noted that Jonathan Creek is geared more towards adults, though I wouldn't necessarily call it inappropriate for young adults. It has occasional profanity and nudity (from both sexes), so obviously it's not something for young viewers. I think teenagers, particularly older ones, shouldn't have any trouble with the show. (Then again, the show is about murder, so it's unsurprising that it's not appropriate for youngsters.)