A classic British mystery series and a documentary about one of America’s most beloved comedians of the 1970s and ’80s top our roundup this week.
“Murder Before Evensong”: Fans of “Murder She Wrote” and those “Father Brown” cozies should get their mystery appetites sated with this Acorn old-school six-part series. A murder of a parishioner with a checkered past throws the cloistered 1980s community of Champton, near London, into an absolute tizzy, partly because the corpse was found in the church. But was Anthony Bowness the intended victim or was the target supposed to be Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis), who is receiving hate mail for ministering and lending support to AIDS patients? With the aid of his bossy mom Audrey (a delectable Amanda Redman) who comes to live with him and his two dachshunds, Daniel turns into an amateur sleuth and comes up with red herrings and clues aplenty pertaining to World War II history, secrets, trysts and even paintings. Lewis is a delight in the lead, whether he’s sparring with his mother and then regretting it or shambling about in his ill-fitting jacket as he puts that inquisitive mind to the test. Busybodies and people with carefully guarded secrets add to the puzzle-like fun. Based on British author The Rev. Richard Coles’ mysteries, “Murder Before Evensong” has just enough edge — including a zinger of a finale — to keep us hooked. Details: 3 stars; two episodes available now, with another episode released each Monday.
“John Candy: I Like Me”: Looking for some nasty scuttlebutt on the late and beloved actor/comedian? Go elsewhere. You won’t find anyone talking trash here about the iconic performer, who continues to make generation after generation laugh and cry over his tender, puppy-dog comedic performances. And that includes friends, costars, directors and relatives. Director Colin Hanks’ documentary might not dig too deep, but it does make for a refreshingly sweet look at Candy, who left us way too early in 1994 at age 43. Hanks’ portrait is chockfull of celebs — Bill Murray, Catherine O’Hara, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd and more — reflecting about how tireless and caring Candy was, as well as relatives talking about his dogged work ethic and genuine love for family. Hanks bookends it with numerous clips of his work, ranging from his work on SCTV to his roles in John Hughes’ films. It might not reveal anything you didn’t know already, but Hanks’ film is nonetheless a loving cinematic hug to a lovely man. Details: 3 stars; debuts Oct. 10 on Prime Video.
“May I Ask for One Final Thing?”: Crunchyroll is the go-to spot for quality anime and the streamer lives up to that title once more with this quirky series that is a hybrid of a Jane Austen period piece and a Furiosa bone-crushing film. Based on a novel by Nana Otori and a manga from Sora Hoonoki, this feminist-fueled fairy tale pits heroine Scarlet against a batch of dismissive noblemen who want her to stay in her “lady” lane. Scarlet won’t stand for that sexist nonsense and socks it to a measly prince who breaks off their weak engagement in front of a lot of people at a ball. Unfazed by the bruised bodies she leaves in her wake over that, Scarlet fends off incoming threats and smacks into the assured presence of Prince Julius, her ex’s hot brother who possesses the same exemplary skill set that she does. “May I Ask for One Fall Thing?” never lacks for energy and boasts a feisty main character worth cheering for, along with some kingdom building that promises to get more intricate as the story progresses. Details: 3 stars; new episodes drop every Friday on Crunchyroll.
Contact Randy Myers at soitsrandy@gmail.com.