Tag: The Madame Blanc Mysteries

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TV Series Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries – Series 4 – Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries – Series 4 -Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries – Series 4 offers charming plots, character development, and humor, maintaining a cozy atmosphere throughout its episodes.

First Reaction – The Madame Blanc Mysteries – Series 4 is an enjoyable series which continues to bring charming cases and a comfy feeling.

Where to Watch

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4 and Series 1 – 4 Box Set are set to arrive on DVD 2 June 2025, courtesy of Acorn Media International.

Director: Dermot Boyd

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Screenplay)

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Creator)

Cast

Plot: Antiques expert moves to France suspicious of how her husband died and uses her skills to become a PI aiding the local police and simultaneously bonding with the town’s popular taxi driver.

Runtime: 45 Minutes per episode 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Madame Blanc Mysteries – Series 4

Christmas Special

The episode begins when Jean (Lindsay) is called to help with Caron’s (Gaumond) latest investigation. A puppeteer has been left for dead after an item was planted in his puppet. Elsewhere, Jeremy (Askwith) and Judith (Holderness) discover their marriage was held by a criminal disguised as a priest. Jean and Caron must work together to uncover the murderer, leaving them learning the bigger secrets the family holds.

It is a nice Christmas special, and our core characters have a moving story. Jean and Dom are celebrating Christmas together, and the rest of the locals are coming together in Jeremy and Judith’s time of need. Elsewhere, the mystery is interesting without being as intense as many other crimes. (3/5)

Beach Club

This episode begins when Jeremy and Judith discover an unconscious man in a boat floating in the ocean. Caron asks Jean for help with the case. Elsewhere, Uncle Patrick (Robinson) battles increasing prices and looks into understanding why. Meanwhile, the crime takes an unexpected twist when Jean investigate more of what happened to the victim.

This offers an interesting case for the pair to solve and as always, the side story has a few laughs. It keeps things connected to a bigger series of events and shows the locals coming together to solve smaller problems. This is a comfortable addition to the series and a calm return to the main series. (3/5)

Inheritance

This episode follows an incident at the antique family where the cleaner is found dead. Elsewhere, Jeremy and Judith look to help an injured person at the restaurant and look after Gloria’s dog. Meanwhile, Jean is called to help investigate the incident, and it points toward murder.

This creates a more sinister murder, which feels cruel to target the victim. It creates a serious crime and a rush to solve the murder. Elsewhere, Judith and Jeremy continue to bring the comedy to lighten the mood throughout the series. (3/5)

Bad Education

This episode follows the caretaker of the local museum getting attacked when a piece of artwork is damaged. Jean has a connection to the museum and leads the investigation back to an argument. Elsewhere, Jean is asked for a favourite from the local mobster, leaving her no choice but to leave him in charge of her shop.

This has an interesting mystery and gives an interesting discussion about museums holding artefacts. Once again, the side story brings plenty of laughs, which brings a lighter side to the story involved. This keeps the fun aspect of the series going, while presenting interesting crimes to solve. (3/5)

The Blue Print

This episode follows Jean and Dom travelling to Malta for a historical document. However, the people they are meeting get attacked, and the item is stolen. Elsewhere, Trevor borrows Dom’s taxi and gets involved in an accident, leading to Gloria needing to solve the case.

We once again enter into a world where antique placement is being discussed. A new location for the case is interesting to see and offers humorous interactions. Meanwhile, the events make the home continue to laugh when needed. (3/5)

Antique Antics

This episode follows an antiques television show coming to the village. Jean, Dom, Jeremy and Judith help with production, but one of the experts is poisoned. Caron must investigate the murder and clashes with Jean over trying to uncover the truth.

This is the best episode of the series so far. The cut-throat glimpse into antique shows comes to life. Elsewhere, Jean and Caron clash is great, as they have always gotten on without any problems. Meanwhile, Dom gets jealous of Jean’s friends in the showbiz, too. While the mystery isn’t as intense as others, the connection and character development are most interesting. (4/5)

Where Eagles Dare

This episode begins to show the strain Jean and Dom have after the last episode. A new case means they must work together as Jean and Caron investigate an attack on a man hoping to sell a jewelled eagle trinket. Elsewhere, Patrick has his licence revoked, and the residents come together to resolve the issue.

This has the biggest case of the series, with the most recognisable antique. It shows the residents doing everything to come together for the greater good. Meanwhile, Dom and Jean’s relationship is tested, and they face the biggest problems they have faced before. It is a nice conclusion to this series of the show. (4/5)

Overall

The Madame Blanc Mysteries – Series 4 is an enjoyable continuation of the case for the residents. It keeps a comfy feeling throughout the series while building the characters. Jean and Dom have highs and lows. Elsewhere, the side story keeps the series feeling lighter in places.

Final Thoughts –The Madame Blanc Mysteries – Series 4 is an enjoyable return for the series.

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TV Series Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3 – Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3 – Review

Experience the thrilling mystery of Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3. Starring Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent, and Alex Gaumond.

Director: Dermot Boyd

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Screenplay)

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Antiques expert moves to France suspicious of how her husband died and uses her skills to become a PI aiding the local police and simultaneously bonding with the town’s popular taxi driver.

Runtime: 45 Minutes Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3

Christmas Special (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Judith and Jeremy take Jean, Dom, Gloria, and Caron away for Christmas. They have a deal with a potential partnership in business. However, their host has planned a murder mystery weekend. But the night takes a dramatic turn when the party turns into a murder. It leads to Jean and Caron needing to solve the murder.

This is a fun episode taking the characters to a new location. It uses a more traditional murder mystery gone wrong to bring us a new crime to see unsolved. This is a welcome return to the show and prepares the core cast for more adventures to come. (3/5)

Ocean (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a marine exploration group loses one of their divers on a routine dive. It looks like cardiac arrest and happens to be on Jeremy and Judith’s boat again. Jean is asked to investigate why the diver had a coin worth thousands and sees Dom struggling with his daughter not returning. Elsewhere, Gloria is struggling to deal with her visiting father.

This is a welcome return for Jean, Dom and Gloria. However, it has fallen into the same pitfalls the last season struggled with. A crime is connected to Jeremy and Judith, without them ever being considered a suspect, just somewhere they are doing their next wild plan. The crime is interesting to see unfold and plays into the bigger love for treasure. (3/5)

Duel (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Gloria discovers a dead body, and the victim has a connection to Simone. Jean goes undercover with one of Simone’s biggest clients. Elsewhere, Judith and Jeremy must work with Gloria to revamp the bar, now Niall and Selina have left the area.

This feels like the most dangerous case Jean has been involved in. It introduces a potential recurring threat with a criminal side in the village. Elsewhere, it is disappointing that the show confirmed writing Niall and Seline out of the show now. The side story brings a lot of comedy to the episode, and it is nice for the episode not to require Jermey and Judith to be around the crime happening. (3/5)

Jackal (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a nanny is shot in clear daylight where Caron (Gaumond) is close to the incident. It happened right outside the pub, but no gunperson can be found. Elsewhere, Jean continues to build her shop inventory with Charlie. However, the victim happened to shop at Jean’s shop before the incident. It all leads to a much bigger series of events happening in the village.

This brings us an interesting mystery surrounding a first edition copy of a Charles Dickens book. The mystery takes us into the business of special edition books. Meanwhile, the pub finds a new landlord to cover the chaos, bringing a calming presence into the pub. (4/5)

Fashion (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a fashion show sees one of the hosts having a near-fatal fall, with the suspects lining up. Jean is asked to investigate who pushed her and question who would want to see her dead. However, Jean finds herself getting too involved in the case, while the other visitors discover a secret about Gloria’s new boyfriend.

This gives us a more unusual case, as it does not start with murder. It mixes up the formula and offers the most twists in the series. Outside, the bigger case the story between the friends in the village takes a dramatic turn leaving one of the characters lost and confused about their life. (4/5)

Kidnap (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Jeremy and Judith host a party with friends. Jean and Dom are guests too, but when one of the guests and close friend gets kidnapped. Caron joins the investigation, however, Jean and Dom learn more secrets about Jeremy and Judith that could have been a motivation for the kidnapping. Elsewhere, Charlie and Simone try to cheer Gloria up after sending Cooper away.

This episode does have one of the best mysteries to witness unfold. It lets Jean get involved with a series of different criminal groups while trying to solve the case. The side story with Gloria gets additional laughs which can lighten the mood of the more series crime. (4/5)

Windows (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Uncle Patrick (Tony Robinson) receives a call from his past. He needs Jean to help uncover the mystery behind the treasure from a card game decades before. However, the person he got sent to prison wants the treasure and Patrick fears for his life. Elsewhere, Dom needs to focus on his health, which could bring him devastating news.

This is a nice season conclusion. It has a toned-down mystery but focuses more on Jean and Dom’s lives away from crime. If this is the ending of the show for good, it is one of the most satisfying endings of a show in years. (4/5)

Overall

This season continues to the typical comfy mysteries, even taking a step back from only being murder. It continues to use antiques being the main reason the crimes get solved. However, it does struggle with a shrinking cast. If you have been enjoying the series before, you will still enjoy this. However, if you were to step into this series, it might be harder to grab your attention. The cast is still strong throughout the series as Sally Lindsay has put herself into a role which sees her among the best detectives in the entertainment industry.

Where to Watch

Coming to DVD on 26 February.

Final Thoughts – The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3 is a sweet, comfy third season.

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TV Series Review

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 – Review

Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 – Review: Antiques Expert Turns to PI

Director: Dermot Boyd

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Screenplay)

Writer: Sally Lindsay, Sue Vincent (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Antiques expert moves to France suspicious of how her husband died and uses her skills to become a PI aiding the local police and simultaneously bonding with the town’s popular taxi driver.

Runtime: 50 Minutes Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1

Episode 1 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This episode starts when Jean White (Lindsay) learns her husband Rory has died in an accident in France. She is forced to travel to France to sell off the business and learn the life he had there. However, Rory’s death looks suspicious, and the killer is watching her every move. Jean teams up with local cabbie (Dom (Edge) as they search for answers, which includes a missing ring Rory was carrying. However, the village is filled with more mystery about Rory and another life he might have been living.

This is a strong opening episode for the series. It gives Jean a massive mystery to figure out a clue or two. While learning about the secrets from her husband’s secret life.  It gives us a great introduction to a host of locals we are going to be joining throughout the series. (4/5)

Episode 2 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This episode follows Jean starting to learn more about the locals, while a TV producer arrives in town. Elsewhere, Jean is recruited to help an elderly resident learn about an item left by her mother. It sends Jean and Dom on a treasure hunt involving the Nazi treasure hunt. All while the village gets swept up with the chance of stardom.

This episode gives Jean a reason to stick around waiting for a chance to learn about her husband’s killer. Without giving away anything behind the death. Instead, we get to see the personal connection she can have with people. It shows that items can have a connection to people and brings a moving story. All balanced with a comical side story to lighten the mood in places. (4/5)

Episode 3 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This episode starts with a mysterious death at Judith’s (Holderness) anniversary party. It rolls back to see her guests arriving in town for the party, creating a host of potential suspects. However, it shows the complication with Judith and Jeremy’s family as the village comes together to celebrate.

This gives us a chance to see Jean becoming part of the community. She gets involved in solving a murder working with the local detective, using her antiques knowledge. Once again, we get a nice comical side story involving Gloria and her visiting father. It is starting to become an enjoyable series of stories waiting for the truth. (4/5)

Episode 4 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when a local art dealer is attacked during a robbery, only one piece is stolen. Jean is called in to help figure out what the missing piece could be worth and uncover why he might have been targeted. Elsewhere, Jean helps another art dealer who is struggling with buyers returning fakes.

This is an interesting mystery going on, which is fun to see unfold. However, it does start to take away from the bigger mystery going on about Rory’s death. The village is filled with colourful characters who have their own secrets going on. This continues to grow the world and the bigger villain known only as the dealer affects many lives. (4/5)

Episode 5 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts well when a strict local priest is murdered in his church. A relic is stolen during the murder and Jean is called in to help uncover who could have taken it. It sees her getting into religious material which faces a different market. Meanwhile, a family visit sees a gentler side to the story through this episode.

This episode gives us more of a proper murder case (not saying the others weren’t) that Jean takes front and centre in solving. It offers the most twists along the way and prepares us for the final episode. (4/5)

Episode 6 (D. Dermot Boyd)

This starts when Jean gets her missing ring back, facing the reality the murderer could get away with it. Her sale on the villa is coming together, while Dom realizes Jean might be leaving soon. However, Dom’s estranged wife returns with more breaking news causing greater tension within his family. Meanwhile, Jean gets to learn the shocking truth about her husband and must decide whether to stay or go.

This is a nice conclusion to the series, showing Jean getting some closure about what happened. It also leaves the show open to return (Spoiler, it does) but also gives it a rounded finish if it didn’t.  With this ending the series is on a high, it completes a well-rounded show throughout. (4/5)

Overall

This is an entertaining series using another style of detective. By using antiques expect, adds another layer to uncover the truth behind the crimes. The show creates a welcoming community while having an overarching mystery for the series. It reminds me a lot of how ‘Monk’ was solving crimes while searching for answers about his murdered wife. The show keeps things light, never being gory when it comes to any of the murders. Sally Lindsay and Steve Edge are great to watch. While guest appearances from the late Paul O’Grady and Paul Chuckle give the UK fans someone to watch shine.

Where to Watch

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 Coming to DVD on 26 February.

Final Thoughts – The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 1 is a cosy, enjoyable mystery series.