Women's Murder Club
ABC Has a Winner on its Hands With New Crime Series
Author James Patterson has adapted his best-selling series about a female detective into a small screen success.
"Women’s Murder Club" is the addictive small screen adaptation of author James Patterson’s hugely popular series about a female homicide detective and her close-knit group of friends.
Starring Angie Harmon as Inspector Lindsay Boxer, the series is a glossy and engrossing foray into the lives of four successful women and the grisly murders they band together to solve.
The “Club”
Executive produced by Patterson, the “Club” is comprised of Boxer, Medical Examiner Claire Washburn (Paula Newsome from “Little Miss Sunshine”), Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt (Laura Harris of “CSI”), and crime reporter Cindy Thomas (Aubrey Dollar from “Failure to Launch”).
The women’s respective professions allow them to bring a wide array of insight and knowledge to the table as they work together to solve some of San Francisco’s most gruesome crimes. Though they come from various walks of life and are at different stages in their lives, the foursome’s dedication to solving even the toughest cases leads to the development of a tight friendship they affectionately refer to as the “Women’s Murder Club.”
A Stand-Out in Its Own Right
Avid readers of Patterson’s novels might be initially disappointed with some of the differences between book and screen, particularly the change in dynamics between the women and the now almost intrusive young reporter.
However, “Women’s Murder Club” stands on its own, and by the second or third episode viewers will have ceased making comparisons altogether.
With engaging characters, believable plots, and a sharp talented cast, “Women’s Murder Club” is one of the best series to emerge in recent years. The writing is clever and candid and even offers a few surprises.
Outstanding Cast
Rob Estes (“Melrose Place”) as Boxer’s former husband and new commanding officer is a wonderful addition. His portrayal of Lieutenant Tom Hogan is reminiscent of his suave turn as Detective Christopher Lorenzo on "Silk Stalkings" in the early 90’s and just as swoon-worthy.
Equally impressive is Tyrees Allen ("Alias") as Warren Jacobi, Boxer’s loyal and steadfast partner who is able to read her like a book and give fatherly advice without sounding patronizing.
But the show is all about Harmon. She is able to nail Boxer’s workaholic tough cop façade while giving subtle glimpses into the inner turmoil and disappointment that fuel her even deeper immersion into the job.
Harmon can turn on a blush with the best of them, but it feels completely natural in her scenes with Estes. The twosome is terrific, and their chemistry is palpable.
It’s a Winner
ABC has a winner on its hands with "Women’s Murder Club." Here’s hoping it survives the midseason axe that is rumored to be hanging over its head. Cancelling it would be… a crime.
