Pie in the Sky: Series 1
The Delectable British Series
After 25 years in the force, Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe (Richard Griffiths, The History Boys, Harry Potter) has lost his appetite for the job. He plans to take early retirement and open his dream restaurant, Pie in the Sky. But his accountant wife, Margaret (Maggie Steed, Shine on Harvey Moon), doesn’t think the numbers add up. And his boss, ACC Fisher (Malcolm Sinclair, Casino Royale), needs him around to handle those delicate cases at which he excels. Although craving retirement, Crabbe discovers that crime solving can be just as hard to resist as his signature steak and kidney pie.
This lighthearted British mystery series blends criminal investigations and culinary adventure for the "perfect way to while away the afternoon" -The Times (U.K.). Guest stars include Michael Kitchen (Foyle’s War), Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings), Pete Postlethwaite (In the Name of the Father), and Julian Fellowes (Monarch of the Glen). As seen on public television.
Member Reviews
Unusual Combination That Works - Gregg
Here’s an usual combination, we have a detective series crossed with the story of a chef opening his own restaurant.
Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter’s Uncle Vernon) plays Henry Crabbe a Detective Inspector all set for retirement when he is shot in the line of duty. Thinking he is all done with that phase of life and ready to open his own restaurant named “Pie in the Sky” he is frustrated to find that his superior is still in need of his services and therefore finds a reason to question the circumstances of Crabbe’s injury. Using the threat of his pension he persuades Crabbe to continue to assist him on the occasional investigation.
The mysteries aren’t as complex nor as dark as most contemporary detective series which some will appreciate, and we also get a show dedicated to classic British food.
The mystery aspect gets shortchanged a little for a couple of reasons. The first is the length of the episodes which is comparable to a one hour American network show and there really isn’t enough time to build up an array of viable suspects in that amount of time. The other reason although not as important is the attention upon the restaurant, its staff and their food. While a more complex mystery would be appreciated some of the enjoyment and certainly the uniqueness of the series comes from the food.
The series has some good performances, though the standout is certainly Richard Griffiths character and his performance, it’s a far cry from other detectives and likely from other roles you may have seen him in before. In support Maggie Steed as Henry’s wife Margaret and Malcolm Sinclair as ACC Fisher give strong supporting performances throughout the series.
For those that like there detective stories on the light side, this series is certainly to be appreciated. My one complaint would be that occasionally the balance between the mystery and the restaurant is off and the resulting episodes aren’t quite as enjoyable as they could be.NICE CHANGE! - Whirlwind
A little sleuthing and a little cooking, really good combination and sometimes a story within the story, really nice and enjoyable. Enjoy Richard Griffiths in this and the people surrounding him in the restaurant, including Maggie Steed who plays his wife. Want something different with a little mystery, this is the one to pick!
Member Reviews
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Unusual Combination That Works - Gregg
Here’s an usual combination, we have a detective series crossed with the story of a chef opening his own restaurant.
Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter’s Uncle Vernon) plays Henry Crabbe a Detective Inspector all set for retirement when he is shot in the ...NICE CHANGE! - Whirlwind
A little sleuthing and a little cooking, really good combination and sometimes a story within the story, really nice and enjoyable. Enjoy Richard Griffiths in this and the people surrounding him in the restaurant, including Maggie Steed who plays his wife. ...