My Life is Murder – Season 2 – Review

Director: Britta Hawkins, Mike Smith, Kiel McNaughton, Katie Wolfe, Michael Hurst

Writer: Tim Pye, Rick Maier, Claire Tonkin, Jodie Molloy, Kathryn Burnett, Chris Hawkshaw, Shoshana McCallum, Kate McDermott, Malinna Liang (Screenplay)

Cast

• Lucy Lawless (Xena Warrior Princess)
• Rawiri Jobe (Shortland Street)
• Ebony Vagulans (The Furies)

Plot: My Life is Murder follows the adventures of fearless private investigator Alexa Crowe, who solves the most baffling crimes as well as coping with the frustrations of everyday life.

Runtime: 45 Minutes per Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on My Life is Murder Season 2

Call of the Wild (D. Britta Hawkins)

Call of the Wild sees Alexa (Lawless) relocate to Auckland and suggested to help local detective Harry Henare (Jobe). Alexa calls Madison (Vagulans) for technical assistance, but is surprised when she turns up at her door. The case sees the pair trying to figure out what happened in a shooting. However, not everything is adding up with the prime suspect.

This brings us to the relocation (For real-life reasons COVID-19) and steps straight back into where we started. The dynamic between Alexa and Madison is still great to watch and the case offers an intriguing mystery to be solved. Considering this is the first episode in a new location, it doesn’t feel like too much has changed in the way the investigation unfolds. (4/5)

Oceans Apart (D. Britta Hawkins)

Oceans Apart sees Alexa asked to investigate the mysterious death of a champion surfer found dead in the ocean. Alexa must get close to the influencer’s girlfriend to see who a reason could have to kill him. However, not everything is as rosy as their social media personas.

This is an entertaining episode but does feel like a routine one too. It has a fun case to solve, but the lack of Madison is noticeable as they keep her housebound for most of the episode. We can accept slower episodes early in the season, so this is establishing Alexa’s relationship with Harry. (3/5)

All That Glitters (D. Mike Smith)

All That Glitters starts by showing us why Alexa moved to New Zealand, to be close to her criminal brother Will (Henderson). Elsewhere, Harry recruits Alexa to help investigate the death of a rising star drag queen. However, once the investigation starts, Alexa and Madison learn more about the business behind the death. Although, not everything adds up in the way Alexa expected.

It is nice to see the story behind Alexa’s move and it leaves us plenty more to wait and see unfold. Meanwhile, in the case side of things, we are taken into the drag queen world. It has plenty of mystery and motivation behind who could have committed the murder. This is the best case in the series so far and shows Alexa and Madison having their feet firmly on the ground now. (4/5)

Look Don’t Touch (D. Mike Smith)

Look Don’t Touch sees Alexa return to her favourite childhood museum after the death of a curator. The victim has just broken up with their partner and the CCTV footage has been lost. Alexa and Madison must investigate the employees and see if she can figure out who was behind the murder.

This is the latest of the fun mysteries for Alexa to solve. It is great to see Alexa and Madison working closely when it comes to solving a case. The pair make this show feel enjoyable from start to finish. While the case shows us plenty of twists along the way. (3/5)

Crushed Dreams (D. Keil McNaughton)

Crushed Dreams sees Alexa and Madison head to a vineyard where a winemaker has died in what looks like an accident. She died in an accident involving the equipment. However, Alexas believes there is more to the story and sets out to investigate. While Alexas investigate, Madison takes it as a chance to have a getaway.

This is a fun episode as it sees the pair heading to a vineyard for the case. However, once they return to Auckland, it feels just as routine. The case has plenty of twists and turns which is great to see. As well as seeing Madison settling into her new life in New Zealand. This continues the enjoyable adventures of the pair. (3/5)

Sleep No More (D. Kiel McNaughton)

Sleep No More sees Alexa and Madison head to a luxury relaxation resort. The owner was found dead inside of walk-in freezer and once Alexa investigates more, she learns new truths. This gives Alexa and Madison a chance to escape the big city and relax in life.

This episode continues to show the excellent chemistry between Lucy Lawless and Abony Vagulans. Whenever the pair are together, the episode comes to life with an extra spark. We also get the biggest guest star, William Shatner. The mystery gives us plenty of suspects in a family business. As well as giving us more about why Alexa moved. (3/5)

All the Better to See You (D. Katie Wolfe)

All the Better to See You sees Alexa and Madison investigate a death on stage at an acting festival. The death comes after a knife prop goes wrong and stabs the victim. Alexa gets a chance to catch up with her childhood neighbour who just happens to be the wife of the victim.

This does continue the enjoyable series of investigations involved. It dives deeper into Alexa’s past and uses the chaotic nature of live performances to cover up a murder. This works well for the continuing series of investigations and the series has firmly found its feet. (3/5)

Hidden Gems (D. Katie Wolfe)

Hidden Gems sees Alexa investigating a robbery at a famous jewellery store, which left an employee dead. The owners have alibis, and they are preparing for the launch. However, not everything adds up and a rich courier with a compulsion to lie admits to the murder.

We continue the unique cases that only Alexa’s eye can pick up the truth about. This episode continues to show the quirky nature of Alexa’s mindset and the teamwork she has with Madison. The case keeps us guessing and the episode has the highlight of guest stars, Bill Bailey. (4/5)

Wild Life (D. Michael Hurst)

Wild Life sees Alexa investigating an adventure tour guide found dead in the garage of a former convict. The prime suspect has been working with Harry to get his life back on track, but this case could cause a major problem for him. Alexa must get close to the people involved in the business to learn if there are other motivations for the murder.

This investigation continues to show the crimes have lots of suspects. However, things get a lot closer than Alexa has ever faced before here adding an extra level of intensity to the story. Meanwhile, Madison shows off her own past more to add an important side to the case. The highlight of the series so far and one that takes the comfy series of cases to a new level. (5/5)

Pleasure & Pain (D. Michael Hurst)

Pleasure & Pain sees Alexa and Madison going undercover in a luxury self-help group after one of the founders is found dead. The business has continued like normal as if nothing had ever gone wrong. Alexa must figure out who could have been behind the crime while learning more about herself.

This finishes the series with the most complex case. It pushes Alexa to her limits as she feels rushed to solve the mystery. There is plenty to prove and despite limiting the suspect pool, it looks to uncover a bigger truth. (4/5)

Overall

My Life is Murder Season 2 had to deal with a big shift in location. The series moved from Australia to Auckland meaning a few new characters. We kept the core pairing of Alexa and Madison who only improve on chemistry in every episode. There is a bigger list of guest stars including William Shatner, Bill Bailey and Xena co-star Renee O’Connor.

The cases are a lot of fun, taking us into a host of different worlds. It is fun to see how they unfold, without showing any of the gory details of the crime. This series is an improvement on the last one and makes us want to come back for more.

Final Thoughts –My Life is Murder Season 2 continues the charming investigation pairing.