The wife and I inhaled this in a day. Pizza, fizzy water, PJs, this show. It is really freaking funny in that snippy, rapidfire Armando Iannuci Veep sort of way.
Agatha Christie-type whodunnit. The genius detective, played supremely well by Uzo Aduba, is an avid bird-watcher and issues deductions (when challenged) with an enthusiasm, arrogance, and cadence that would make modern Sherlock proud. Or jealous.
Here’s Pete Holmes’ version of what I mean. If you haven’t seen this, it’s one of my favorite things as a giant fan of Doyle’s works.
Now since we’re dealing with an American show, there’s a very high likelihood that its writers will banish all editors, disable their Delete keys, and turn five episodes into eight, unlike their British peers who know how to end things on a high note. This show suffers from this problem, though not too much. I may have uttered “Oh come the fuck on” a few times during the detective’s (seemingly) 18-hour summation scene.
But this is a funny-as-hell, intriguing, and well-acted and produced mystery with plenty of twists and red herrings.
I will never forget the character of the hapless White House Calligrapher for as long as I live. Even thinking about him’s making me laugh right now. Splendid stuff.