Case Histories

Brodie's cases tend to dwell as much on mysteries of the heart as on the usual blood-and-guts. It's a nice change and a great start to a delightful franchise.

As with many of these European crime yarns, the real fun resides less in the who-or how-dunnit than simply getting there.

[Jason Isaacs] is not the only reason to recommend it, but it is by itself sufficient; indeed, it overwhelms any small arguments in its disfavor.

Like so many crime novel adaptations, Case Histories leaves the audience with a faint echo of a delightful original, oozing with talent, budget, and location shooting, and almost bereft of compelling content.

Isaacs makes an attractively moody hero, and both the supporting and guest casts are superb. That said, the episodes tend to meander slowly from plot point to plot point.

The pleasant ambience, however, can't entirely obscure the mystery story's inability to deliver.