The Brokenwood Mysteries - General Discussion

[Pine]

Arghhhh....both times that we have watched the new season, I have fallen asleep.  My husband say's it isn't nearly as good as past seasons.  Here's hoping I can last through an entire episode.  :)  I double watched all the old seasons during the pandemic.

[LisaM]

1 hour ago, Pine said:

Arghhhh....both times that we have watched the new season, I have fallen asleep.  My husband say's it isn't nearly as good as past seasons.  Here's hoping I can last through an entire episode.  :)  I double watched all the old seasons during the pandemic.

I think that this season is missing Breen a lot. Personally, I'm missing Mrs. Marlowe. 

[Door County Cherry]

I agree that I miss Breen.  They new guy is jut sort of there. Neither the writing or the acting is bringing anything fun to the role.

Mrs. Marlowe might still show up.  In early seasons, the townies were in every episode.  

[roseha]

No appearances from any of the semi regulars in Season 8, Episode 3.  The story did have some interesting characters, but not a whole lot of humor unfortunately. 

A nice guest dog though!

I miss Mrs. Marlowe also, perhaps they are still taking precautions due to Covid with older cast members.

[Maren]

Aww, I like the new guy! He's settled and calm and not an azz. Not that Breen was, but I appreciate when new people come in and settle in fast and don't change the dynamic too much or rock the boat. 

This was a sad story. I guessed it was the crazy girl. The actress did a good job being sympathetic and batshite. 

I miss Mrs. Marlowe too. I really miss Jared tho even more! It's been forever since he's been on!! I am glad thar we are getting Frodo this season. He's so sweet but I really need that guy to catch a freaking break!!

I'm now thinking Gina is not the woman Mike is dating. Thank goodness. 

Edited July 12, 2022 by Maren
Grammar

[BlackberryJam]

I'm wondering if Mike has a daughter that we've not heard about before and that's who he is talking to. Because I DO NOT CARE ABOUT MIKE HAVING A LOVE LIFE. I like Mike, but there's nothing about him that makes me think multiple women would want to marry him. He's right exactly average, and that's something I like about him. I do not like shows where average dudes get love interest after love interests while the gorgeous female lead is played for laughs about how she can't get a man.

I really enjoy Brokenwood and it doesn't need to add a new romance for Mike to the story. 

Count me on enjoying Chalmers as well. He's not being an ass to anyone; he's respectful of Mike and Kristen; he has valuable input and they haven't given him any weird quirks. 

[roseha]

Given Mike's multiple marriage history it's certainly possible he has a child that hasn't been mentioned previously.  There has been mention of his sister and nephew before.

I miss Jared also!  I don't think he's made an appearance since the duck episode.

[jaybird2]

25 minutes ago, roseha said:

Given Mike's multiple marriage history it's certainly possible he has a child that hasn't been mentioned previously.  There has been mention of his sister and nephew before.

I miss Jared also!  I don't think he's made an appearance since the duck episode.

remind me who jared is, not breen.  i was very disappointed that there are only 3 episodes to season 8.

Edited July 12, 2022 by jaybird2

[roseha]

6 hours ago, jaybird2 said:

remind me who jared is, not breen.  i was very disappointed that there are only 3 episodes to season 8.

There are 6 episodes scheduled for Season 8 according to this page

Jared was played by Pana Hemu Taylor, he did some work for Mike at his home and was often featured in various episodes though not as a detective.  He did help out Mike in solving some questions though, for instance in The Dark Angel.

[laredhead]

I watched the last episode of Season 7 tonight.  It's the one where Sims is in charge of a double homicide, and Mike goes away to be with his dying friend who is in witness protection.  Would someone please refresh my memory as to which episode Glenn was in, and a few words about that story line?

[jaybird2]

On 7/12/2022 at 9:27 PM, roseha said:

There are 6 episodes scheduled for Season 8 according to this page

Jared was played by Pana Hemu Taylor, he did some work for Mike at his home and was often featured in various episodes though not as a detective.  He did help out Mike in solving some questions though, for instance in The Dark Angel.

thanks....i really like him

[laredhead]

I think Mike is seeing the nurse he met when he went to see the woman in witness protection when she was dying. 

[jaybird2]

i thought a new episode was to be released today

[Door County Cherry]

2 hours ago, jaybird2 said:

i thought a new episode was to be released today

They come out on Mondays.  It is not Monday yet. 

If it is, then I'm missing work. 

[jaybird2]

2 hours ago, Door County Cherry said:

They come out on Mondays.  It is not Monday yet. 

If it is, then I'm missing work. 

lol! i'm always behind!  or ahead ..... thank you

do you recommend anything else

[ShelleySue]

Poor Kristen.  She just can't catch a break with her love life.

Speaking of love life . . . I actually felt bad for Gina. I hope she at least was able to win the auction for the "batch" from the last episode.

[buckboard]

And we've solved the mystery of Mike's girlfriend.  We find out for sure in Episode 5 (Good As Gold), that she is Beth, the caregiver for Mike's dying friend from last season.  I hope it lasts and that she isn't just a filler for a couple of episodes.

[LisaM]

Just watched Season 8, Episode 5 (Good as Gold). I actually like what they have done with Gina now that Mike is with Beth. 

I like Frodo but would prefer to see some of the other regulars. 

[kimaken]

9 hours ago, LisaM said:

Just watched Season 8, Episode 5 (Good as Gold). I actually like what they have done with Gina now that Mike is with Beth. 

I like Frodo but would prefer to see some of the other regulars. 

I really enjoyed this episode, too, and was glad to see Gina's not moping about Mike being with Beth now. I also liked how's she's being nicer to Kristen and welcoming to Beth. It's also great to see her involved in more things with the community (the bachelor auction last episode and the country line dancing this episode) and no longer cast as the "dour Russian lovesick pathologist".

I don't know why Panu isn't available, but I think with COVID's latest variant being more readily transmissible and cases worldwide are increasing again, the actor portraying Mrs. Marlowe may be waiting until it's safer to come back to work (she is a senior citizen and thus in a higher risk category). Still, at least we get Frodo to provide some comic relief and fill in some character/town backstory as needed.

[geekgirl921]

8 hours ago, kimaken said:

I really enjoyed this episode, too, and was glad to see Gina's not moping about Mike being with Beth now. I also liked how's she's being nicer to Kristen and welcoming to Beth. It's also great to see her involved in more things with the community (the bachelor auction last episode and the country line dancing this episode) and no longer cast as the "dour Russian lovesick pathologist".

I don't know why Panu isn't available, but I think with COVID's latest variant being more readily transmissible and cases worldwide are increasing again, the actor portraying Mrs. Marlowe may be waiting until it's safer to come back to work (she is a senior citizen and thus in a higher risk category). Still, at least we get Frodo to provide some comic relief and fill in some character/town backstory as needed.

I also like that Gina isn't moping too much though I was afraid that she put some sort of curse on that necklace that she gave Beth! 😃 I like Frodo alright but I would like to see some of the other regulars. Poor Frodo, he's always trying to make himself look important and ends up looking guilty.

[Door County Cherry]

12 hours ago, kimaken said:

I really enjoyed this episode, too, and was glad to see Gina's not moping about Mike being with Beth now. I also liked how's she's being nicer to Kristen and welcoming to Beth.

I am pleasantly surprised by the twist of what they're doing with Gina now that Mike is in a relationship.  It tickles me that she has decided to become bffs with a person she has disliked for years.  

Although I hope that doesn't become another semi-stalker situation.  Kristen needs a friend too. 

[WildPlum]

I like the twist in the "spoofing" episode of Trudi being the one to urge her brother to go to the police and tell the truth. Given Trudi's relationship with the police, that didn't seem likely. Still not quite sure what she is doing out of prison at this point, given the things she has been charged (and apparently convicted) with.

[Seelouis]

50 minutes ago, WildPlum said:

I like the twist in the "spoofing" episode of Trudi being the one to urge her brother to go to the police and tell the truth. Given Trudi's relationship with the police, that didn't seem likely. Still not quite sure what she is doing out of prison at this point, given the things she has been charged (and apparently convicted) with.

She’s no narc!

[WildPlum]

Watched the gold nugget episode and I have to say that while it has it's moments, I think that was the weakest episode this season, plot and guest star-wise. Had some trouble telling the perky cowboy-hat, cowboy-boots and cowboy-shirt wearing dark blond and light brunette apart. Also the age difference between the "surprise" daughter and mother did not seem reasonable. Maybe one actress looks young for her age and the other looks older than her age, but I'd have put 10 years MAX as their age difference.

Did like the Gina and Kristen moments and also Mike's new gf seems ... very nice.

Also, I live in the western US in a rural (ish) agricultural area where country (fortunately more toward Western than Nashville) is very popular and WE don't do as much line-dancing as they do on this show. The other cultural issue I didn't quite get was the whitefish. Is that a NZ or Maori thing?

[Maren]

I agree with you, WildPlum, the nugget episode was really disappointing. I can't even rewatch it like I can the others because honestly, the guest actors were so bad. They usually do a good to great job on casting but this one was a loser all around. The story was a weak too but it might have been better with better actors but it was all around blah. I was very disappointed. 

Edited July 30, 2022 by Maren
Spelling

[roseha]

On 7/27/2022 at 9:29 AM, kimaken said:

I don't know why Panu isn't available, but I think with COVID's latest variant being more readily transmissible and cases worldwide are increasing again, the actor portraying Mrs. Marlowe may be waiting until it's safer to come back to work (she is a senior citizen and thus in a higher risk category). Still, at least we get Frodo to provide some comic relief and fill in some character/town backstory as needed.

I happened to visit the show’s website which linked to their Facebook page.  There was a post there stating that Elizabeth McCrae, who plays Mrs. Marlowe, decided to leave the show after Season Seven. Sad to read but apparently she is fine, maybe retiring. 

She will be missed!  She really provided some of the most memorable moments of the show.

I wasn’t too impressed with the nugget episode either, the leading female guest stars were pretty dull I agree though I liked Missy and her comical run ins with Chalmers - is there a future between those two? - and I also like what they are doing with Gina accepting Mike having Beth in his life, and Gina suddenly befriending Kristen  in response.  Nice twist.

[WildPlum]

Watched the last episode last night and thought it was mixed. I know they are going for a quirky, odd feeling to the characters, but sometimes it feels like they are trying too hard, particularly with the 2 undertakers. I felt somewhat uncomfortable with the portrayal of Gina and her stalker, rather than amused.

And the last episode seems to set up Mike's love life for a fall next season. Wonder if Beth will even make it out of the first episode?

[kimaken]

3 minutes ago, WildPlum said:

Watched the last episode last night and thought it was mixed. I know they are going for a quirky, odd feeling to the characters, but sometimes it feels like they are trying too hard, particularly with the 2 undertakers. I felt somewhat uncomfortable with the portrayal of Gina and her stalker, rather than amused.

And the last episode seems to set up Mike's love life for a fall next season. Wonder if Beth will even make it out of the first episode?

I thought the undertaker was being set up as the killer but he turned out to be just a red herring; the guy working for him was the embalmer (not another undertaker/mortician) and I thought his intense infatuation with Gina was funny/quirky. While she was not happy with it, Gina was able to take care of herself, and I thought it was sweet that she thinks of Kristen now as her friend to turn to with her "man trouble". As for Mike and Beth...not sure if Beth will be in the picture at all next season/series (after all, Mike told Kristen he's not interested in marrying again), but who knows what the writers will do? 

[laredhead]

I kind of wish they had not included the very last conversation between Mike & Beth.  It was an odd place and time for them to have that discussion.  I'm not a fan of cliff hangers.  I liked the episode overall, and always nice to see repeat characters.     

[buckboard]

I'm surprised that Beth pressed Mike on marriage.  She's moved quite a distance to work in the same town, so they've had some discussions about their relationship.  And yet, they've known each other long enough for him to have disclosed his extensive -- and unsuccessful --  marital history.  I hope they don't break up because he is afraid to get hitched once again -- or because she likes music other than country/western.  After all, she seemed to be into the line dancing, so it's not as if she hates his favorite kind of music.  (Only TV writers would use that as an excuse to break up a relationship.)   

[LisaM]

Have we seen the undertaker in a previous episode? He looked really familiar. I like what TPTB have done with Gina over the past few episodes. They have completely turned her around once she stopped lusting after Mike. 

I enjoy this show a lot. I hope that they continue to make more episodes. 

[roseha]

45 minutes ago, LisaM said:

Have we seen the undertaker in a previous episode? He looked really familiar. I like what TPTB have done with Gina over the past few episodes. They have completely turned her around once she stopped lusting after Mike. 

I enjoy this show a lot. I hope that they continue to make more episodes. 

Yes I seem to remember the undertaker from Over Her Dead Body in which the famous poet faked his death and a young woman's body was found in his casket.

I like the progress with Gina's character also.   I hope that if Mike and Beth break up she doesn't go back to stalking him.

I believe a Season 9 is in the works for this show.  

[kimaken]

15 hours ago, LisaM said:

Have we seen the undertaker in a previous episode? He looked really familiar. I like what TPTB have done with Gina over the past few episodes. They have completely turned her around once she stopped lusting after Mike. 

Yes I believe the undertaker was in at least one other episode. So was the reverend's husband. I like seeing a lot of the townspeople sprinkled throughout the episodes. We see Frodo so often he should be a series regular, as well as Trudy and her brother (the pub owner who's always working various schemes to make money)--but I miss Mrs. Marlowe, and we haven't seen the pharamacist/mayor (Neil Bloom) for a little while, either. 

I also like the changes in Gina's character--while I think her liking Mike is sweet, after all these series it does feel like stalking rather than carrying a torch. So glad she wasn't written as a bitter, jealous shrew, but instead is moving on with grace and confidence, expanding friendships and integrating more into the community. Gina doesn't need Mike (or any man) to define her as person!

[dgpolo]

On 7/12/2022 at 7:59 AM, BlackberryJam said:

Count me on enjoying Chalmers as well. He's not being an ass to anyone; he's respectful of Mike and Kristen; he has valuable input and they haven't given him any weird quirks. 

I like how he took Breen's advice to heart and doesn't let Kristin make the coffee.

On 8/5/2022 at 10:51 AM, kimaken said:

we haven't seen the pharamacist/mayor (Neil Bloom) for a little while, either. 

He was in the episode with the music festival, Mike went to ask him about the drugs.

Mike is smart, responsible and kind, I have no problem with women finding him marriageable, I wonder about the break-ups, but I suppose 'the job' is reason enough.

[Maren]

Has anyone heard if there is going to be a season 9?

[roseha]

I saw on the web that a Season 9 is in the works. 

[giovannif7]

Looks like Acorn TV is aiming to run the 6-episode Season 9 of The Brokenwood Mysteries in Spring of 2023

[Maren]

Thank you, Roseha and Giovannif7! Great news!

[WildPlum]

Not quite as good, but still amusing: DARBY AND JOAN on Acorn. Funded in large part by Queensland Tourism, it is partly "location porn"(ie: beautiful scenery) and part mystery.

[ForReal]

On 8/21/2022 at 9:40 AM, WildPlum said:

Not quite as good, but still amusing: DARBY AND JOAN on Acorn. Funded in large part by Queensland Tourism, it is partly "location porn"(ie: beautiful scenery) and part mystery.

I watched that and enjoyed it. I give it a solid B+.

I've watched two episodes now of Brokenwood Mysteries' latest season. I am enjoying spending time with the characters. 

[Prevailing Wind]

I enjoyed Darby & Joan, as well. Thanks for the recommendation. 

I find I'm not enjoying Brokenwood as much, now that Mrs. Marlowe is nowhere to be seen.

[ForReal]

On 9/23/2022 at 11:35 AM, Prevailing Wind said:

I find I'm not enjoying Brokenwood as much, now that Mrs. Marlowe is nowhere to be seen.

I have watched three episodes so far, and there does seem to be a lack of something. I mean, I'm liking it, but some sense of energy seems to be missing. The new guy is fine, but kind of bland. Maybe that's it, the show isn't as funny this season. Even Gina has hardly made me laugh.

[ForReal]

Finished the fifth episode, and Frodo is definitely developing into a strong character. My unexpected favorite, though, is Trudy. Determined to stay neutral, but wonderfully observant and helpful. She's an interesting character this season.

[dgpolo]

1 hour ago, ForReal said:

Finished the fifth episode, and Frodo is definitely developing into a strong character. My unexpected favorite, though, is Trudy. Determined to stay neutral, but wonderfully observant and helpful. She's an interesting character this season.

I agree, I've felt that way about Trudy since the bank robbery episode.

[WildPlum]

Other quirky non-US mysteries - Three Pines on Amazon, based on the Louise Penny "Inspector Gamache" books.

[Milburn Stone]

Just started Season 6 (the Steampunk episode), and I have a question. We really like all the characters, but I've begun to notice that Mike practically never looks at anyone head-on. His go-to method of conversation is with his face turned away from whoever it is, but his pupils way on the side of his eye-sockets to make eye-contact with them regardless. Wouldn't it be easier to just, you know, look at someone once in a while? It's driving me crazy. Is this a characteristic of Mike, or is it an acting tic that Neill Rea brings to other parts as well?

[roseha]

On 12/14/2022 at 4:35 PM, Milburn Stone said:

Just started Season 6 (the Steampunk episode), and I have a question. We really like all the characters, but I've begun to notice that Mike practically never looks at anyone head-on. His go-to method of conversation is with his face turned away from whoever it is, but his pupils way on the side of his eye-sockets to make eye-contact with them regardless. Wouldn't it be easier to just, you know, look at someone once in a while? It's driving me crazy. Is this a characteristic of Mike, or is it an acting tic that Neill Rea brings to other parts as well?

I was just thinking about your question @Milburn Stone while re-watching a couple of episodes tonight, and all I could think of was something Neill Rea said in this enjoyable interview with Fern Sutherland: 

At around 4:11 he answers as to what qualities Mike has that he doesn't and indicates he wishes he (Neill) kept his own counsel more (unlike Mike).  So perhaps Mike looking away is a way to keep his suspicions and other insights to himself while detecting, in other words keeping his own counsel?

[AZChristian]

Enjoying this latest series a lot.  Love the hints about Mike's potential love interests.  Had the episode about the rock singer who died in his RV figured out about halfway through.  Love the interaction between the deputies.  They're really showing signs of friendship.  Maybe more?

Loving the increase of air time for Frodo and Trudy.  A good show has good back-up characters.

[AZChristian]

Mike Shepherd . . . line dancing with a HUGE smile on his face.  Gotta love it!!!

[Milburn Stone]

Have just watched the first episode of S8, and I noticed one change: The whole "Gina pursuing Mike with lust in her heart" was dramatically toned down.

I'm torn. The lustful pursuit thing was getting a little silly, and maybe it was time to end it. But on the other hand, I'm shipping Gina and Mike! The show finale I'm hoping for is a wedding. I want to see Mike surrender and give marriage one more go--"fifth time's the charm" or whatever--and no one could be a more amusing partner for him (in my imagination) than Gina.

Besides which, I love Gina, and I want her to get what she's after!