Summer on television is heating up, especially for Young Adult (YA) enthusiasts. Following the buzz around My Lady Jane, Amazon Prime now faces competition from BBC iPlayer’s latest offering: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. This series, adapted from Holly Jackson’s acclaimed 2019 bestseller, promises a thrilling dive into teenage drama intertwined with a compelling mystery. Expect the classic YA ingredients – hormones, frenemies, homework debates – all wrapped around a captivating whodunit that’s perfect for binge-watching. Whether you’re a teen or a teen at heart, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder on BBC is set to be your next must-watch.
Adapted for the screen by Poppy Cogan (Red Rose, The Fold) and skillfully directed by Dolly Wells, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder unfolds in the seemingly perfect English village of Little Kilton. This picturesque setting, with its harmonious blend of residents and absence of political posters, initially appears idyllic. One might even dream of relocating there for a peaceful retreat. Imagine being adopted by Leanne Fitz-Amobi (Anna Maxwell Martin), the endearingly witty and open-minded mother of our protagonist, Pip (Emma Myers). However, beneath Little Kilton’s charming façade lies a darker undercurrent, reminiscent of Midsomer Murders but updated with contemporary elements like mobile phones and a more intricate plot. The village is haunted by the unsolved disappearance of Andie Bell five years prior, a teenager who vanished without a trace. Her boyfriend, Sal, was quickly implicated, supposedly confessed to her murder, and tragically took his own life. Yet, Andie’s body was never recovered, leaving a lingering unease in Little Kilton.
Emma Myers as Pip in A Good Girl's Guide to Murder BBC adaptation, intently examining evidence on a blackboard.
Enter Pip Fitz-Amobi, a bright and inquisitive student with aspirations of attending Cambridge University. Pip, portrayed by Emma Myers in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder BBC series, has long been intrigued by the Andie Bell case. In a close-knit community like Little Kilton, everyone is connected, and the unanswered questions surrounding the case have always been a topic of hushed conversation. For her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Pip decides to revisit the cold case, a significant shift from her initial idea of a feminist analysis of gothic novels. Driven by a hunch and a strong sense of justice, Pip believes in Sal’s innocence and is determined to uncover the truth. Transforming her bedroom into an investigation hub, complete with a sprawling blackboard adorned with suspect photos and connecting arrows akin to a scene from Waking the Dead, Pip embarks on her amateur sleuthing journey. She starts interviewing villagers, undeterred by the discomfort or annoyance she might cause.
Pip’s investigation in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder BBC adaptation is far from straightforward. It’s a slow, methodical process filled with minor setbacks and awkward encounters. In one memorable scene, she takes on a waitressing job at a garden party, dressed in a star costume, simply to get closer to a suspect. However, not all interactions are cumbersome. Teaming up with Ravi (Zain Iqbal), Sal’s charismatic younger brother, adds an intriguing dynamic to her investigation, and perhaps a hint of romance. Zain Iqbal’s portrayal of Ravi brings a compelling layer to the narrative, complementing Myers’ energetic performance as Pip in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder BBC series.
While Emma Myers, an American actress, occasionally shows a slight waver in her English accent, her performance as Pip is largely captivating. Overall, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder on BBC delivers classic, well-crafted television. It’s engaging, cleverly written, and comfortably familiar, without being overly challenging. The series embraces beloved YA tropes: mean girls, spooky séances with games like Charlie Charlie, tense camping trips, the quintessential unattainable crush, and a mix of flawed and supportive parents. It’s the kind of comforting escapism that resonates, particularly for those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia. Just as the reviewer admits to recommending it to her niece, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is easily recommendable for its easy-to-enjoy narrative and engaging characters.
There are minor, almost endearing, inconsistencies. Pip, despite appearing quite young, drives an old Volvo around Little Kilton’s winding lanes. And it stretches credibility that local police might overlook mobile phone evidence that a determined teenager uncovers. Yet, these are easily forgiven in light of the series’ strengths. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder BBC adaptation refreshingly presents a teenage heroine who is intelligent and unapologetically so. Her meticulous spreadsheet of Cambridge colleges exemplifies her focused ambition. Notably, the BBC series dares to depict a world where “middle class” isn’t a derogatory term and where belonging to a book club, like Pip’s mother Leanne, isn’t seen as an embarrassing privilege. This nuanced portrayal, absent of forced social commentary, is likely to contribute to the show’s broad appeal. Whether it becomes a massive hit or a well-kept secret, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a refreshing addition to YA television, as invigorating as Pip’s walks in the woods with her family dog.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder BBC iPlayer
