TV Review: Murder in Provence (2022)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Murder in Provence is the kind of cozy crime drama that makes you want to pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and pretend you’re vacationing in the South of France — despite all the murders, of course.

Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Aix-en-Provence, the series follows Antoine Verlaque (played with calm sophistication by Roger Allam), an examining magistrate with a nose for justice, and his witty partner Marine Bonnet (Nancy Carroll), a criminal psychology professor. Together, they navigate the complexities of both crime and coupledom — often in the same scene.

The charm of the show lies in its pacing. It doesn’t rush. Instead, it strolls through each mystery like a leisurely walk through a French market: a bit of cheese here, some vintage wine there, and oh — a dead body. The crimes themselves are interesting, if not wildly original, but the pleasure comes from the characters and the atmosphere.

Visually, it’s a treat. Every frame looks like a travel brochure, with golden sunlight, charming architecture, and endless lavender fields. The dialogue is sharp and occasionally funny, and the chemistry between the leads feels warm and genuine.

Some viewers might find the series a bit too gentle, especially those used to high-octane crime thrillers. There are no car chases, no frantic shootouts — just smart people solving crimes over espresso and philosophical conversations.

Overall, Murder in Provence is more of a thinking person’s mystery series — refined, elegant, and a little indulgent. It may not change the crime genre, but it sure makes it look très chic.