Series 5 of Jonathan Creek is an ignominious end to a show that started out so well
“Why do I know I’m going to regret this”
It started with the 2013 Easter special but the refresh of Jonathan Creek that characterises Series 5 is a spectacular misfire. Jonathan leaving the world of magic is understandable but making him a mid-level advertising executive is just baffling. And that’s before you add in the wife who appears from nowhere, Sarah Alexander’s Polly, and a move to the countryside to a rural village.
It’s a reset that makes little sense – there is ZERO chemistry between Jonathan and Polly and little evidence to convince of their relationship especially as he now directs his patronising non-explanations at her – and ultimately adds little value. The village setting adds a Midsomer Murders/Marple-ish vibe to the mystery solving which detracts from its USP and also means that there has to be increasingly convoluted ways in which to fold Jonathan back into the world of impossible crimes that he’s ostensibly left behind.
All told, there’s too little sense of fun about the whole enterprise, writer David Renwick’s inspiration perchance finally running dry unlike his continued misogynistic tendencies. An ignominious end to a series that started out so well.
Top 5 cameos (such as they are)
- No stranger to the musical theatre stage, Simon Thomas is perfectly suited to the precious leading man in ‘The Letters of Septimus Noone’
- Kiwi comic Jarred Christmas is fun if a little underused in ‘The Sinner and the Sandman’
- Josie Lawrence is vivid indeed as the Creeks’ housekeeper
- June Whitfield as twins, nuff said even if they’re bit-players
- And in the. to date, final episode, Warwick Davis’ inquisitive vicar is a rare highlight
