What is 'Whitstable Pearl'?

'Whitstable Pearl' is a British crime drama series based on the novels by Julie Wassmer. It follows seafood restaurant owner and private detective Pearl Nolan, played by Kerry Godliman. The series revolves around her solving individual cases while managing her restaurant in the coastal town of Whitstable, Kent.

Who stars in 'Whitstable Pearl'?

Kerry Godliman plays the lead role of Pearl Nolan, the seafood restaurant owner and private detective. Howard Charles plays DCI Mike McGuire, with Frances Barber as Pearl's mother, and Robert Webb among the stars in the second series. The cast brings a mix of humour and drama to the series.

What makes 'Whitstable Pearl' appealing?

'Whitstable Pearl' is appealing because it's a light and easy-to-watch crime drama. Each episode features an individual case while also developing the ongoing narrative surrounding the main characters. The series has a coastal setting and a relaxing atmosphere, similar to shows like 'Agatha Raisin' and 'Death in Paradise.'

What is the style of crime cases in 'Whitstable Pearl'?

The crime cases in 'Whitstable Pearl' are not overly complex, offering straightforward storytelling that many viewers enjoy. While some cases may seem predictable, this simplicity is a feature that makes the series easy to watch and accessible to a broader audience. The focus is on character development and lighthearted entertainment.

Is 'Whitstable Pearl' suitable for family viewing?

'Whitstable Pearl' is suitable for family viewing due to its light and entertaining nature. The crime drama avoids convoluted twists and turns, making it enjoyable for viewers who prefer straightforward storytelling. Its coastal setting and humor add to the family-friendly appeal.

Who is the publisher of 'Whitstable Pearl (Series 1 and 2)'?

'Whitstable Pearl (Series 1 and 2)' is released on DVD. The series offers entertaining crime dramas with a light and relaxed approach, suitable for a wide audience. It captures the essence of coastal town life with a mix of humor and straightforward crime-solving.

Whitstable Pearl (Series 1 and 2) – DVD Review

By On: Yorkshire Magazine

26/03/2024

1185

Whitstable Pearl (Series 1 and 2) DVD Review (1)

By Karl Hornsey

Clearly something is being done right with this crime drama based on the novels by Julie Wassmer, with series one currently airing on UKTV, series two released on this DVD set, and series three about to start filming. And it’s easy to see why viewers will continue to follow the series, which has at its heart seafood restaurant owner and private detective Pearl Nolan, played with genuine warmth and humour by Kerry Godliman.

This is the TV equivalent of slipping into a hot bath after a stressful day at work and having all the cares of the world disappear – it’s such an easy watch, with each episode wrapping up an individual case, while also moving along the narrative surrounding the main characters. For some, it will no doubt be predictable and a little safe, but it’s a tried and tested formula that works in the world of crime drama, and is akin to the likes of Agatha Raisin or, given its coastal setting, a very British Death in Paradise.

The crime cases may not be the most complicated and you may find yourself successfully guessing the outcomes well before they happen, but that has an appeal to many people, who don’t want to be working out convoluted twists and turns. This is solid family entertainment as well, set in the Kent town where the sun shines more than enough to suggest that this series will lure the tourists down to the south coast, although maybe not as much as Doc Martin, which also sprang to mind while watching this series.

“Perfectly enjoyable”

Godliman is a great choice to play the lead role, following her success in Afterlife and Trigger Point, delivering some of the deadpan humour and funniest lines to perfection, without allowing her character to become, well, a caricature instead. Clearly running her restaurant comes second to her inquisitive nature and it’s a little curious how she always seems to be in the right place at the right time to glean information about the crimes involved, but if you just go with it, and let this series wash over you, then it’s perfectly enjoyable. Godliman is supported by Howard Charles, best known for his role in the BBC adaptation The Musketeers, as DCI Mike McGuire, whose initial exacerbation with Pearl soon develops into something more, with Frances Barber playing Pearl’s mother, and Robert Webb among the stars of the second series.

This isn’t groundbreaking or particularly original, but then it doesn’t claim to be. It’s the latest in a long line of entertaining, light and enjoyable British crime dramas, and in a world that can sometimes seem hard to understand, that’s actually rather refreshing.

‘Whitstable Pearl’ (series 1 and 2) is out now on DVD