A Lovely Mystery-Drama Series on Fox

There is something comforting about going back to some of the most classic genres. Based on the Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries by L.R. Wright, and adapted by Ian Weir, Fox‘s newest drama “Murder in a Small Town” — in the single episode provided to critics — combines mystery and romance for a perfectly enjoyable experience. Set in the gorgeous coastal British Columbia community of Gibsons, the no-frills series follows new-to-town police chief Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland), who has a special knack for details and solving the crimes plaguing the town and its residents. Karl doesn’t expect to fall for Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk of “Smallville”), a librarian whose bold attitude unnerves and excites him. Charmingly predictable with a sliver of edge, the show is an all-inclusive crowd-pleaser (again, through all of one episode).

“Murder in a Small Town’s” 90-minute premiere opens on a seemingly quiet day in Gibsons. An elderly man, George Wilcox (special guest star James Cromwell), is seen watering his plants. Another gentleman is spotted dropping an item off at a neighbor’s house. Elsewhere in the interior of a home, a loud argument is heard. Shortly thereafter, an unseen assailant clobbers a man over the head, and watches blood pour out of his wound as the man falls dead to the floor.

Elsewhere, a determined Cassandra enters a restaurant for her date with Karl. The pair initially connected on a dating app, but this first in-person rendezvous goes off without a hitch. Viewers learn that while Karl is in his post-divorce era, Cassandra wants to keep things fun and casual. Though the duo are just meeting in real life, their banter is compelling, adding needed depth to the cliché-filled plot.  

Almost as soon as the date concludes, Karl finds himself at the scene of the murder. He learns the deceased victim is Carlyle Burke (R.H. Thomson), a longtime Gibsons resident who wasn’t all that beloved. Karl’s team, Corporal Edwina Yen (Mya Lowe), Sergeant Sid Sokolowski (Aaron Douglas) and Constable Andy Kendrick (Fritzy-Klevans Destine) are all capable. However, the police chief has a knack for spotting the tiny clues others have overlooked. In what feels like a more retro style of filming that includes whip pan shots, the audience is compelled to examine the crime scene through Karl’s discerning eyes. Almost as quickly as he scans the room, he notices something is amiss. 

The crimes depicted in “Murder in a Small Town” — in the one episode — aren’t massive unsolvable enigmas. In fact, with such obvious hints, any viewer paying a fraction of attention will likely solve the case before the episode’s midway point. However, this cheesy familiarity makes the series fun even in the face of some truly baffling writing choices (specifically some bizarre mentions of race).

Karl and Cassandra’s budding affair centers the show. While the couple have an intense connection, their contrasting personalities — his gentle and patient and hers, no-nonsense and brash — add to the narrative conflict as they get to know one another. The series also has no interest in the slow burn. A contentious disagreement toward the end of Episode 1, “The Suspect,” illustrates the would-be couple’s opposing worldviews, highlighting possible discord in the future. 

Despite its hokeyness, “Murder in a Small Town” is entertaining. Its cozy rhythm is why shows like Netflix’s “Virgin River” are such hits. Tension, both sexual and otherwise, between Cassandra and Karl will entice viewers to continue tuning in if only to see how their relationship blossoms. Moreover, though each episode focuses on a different crime, questions surrounding Karl and Cassandra’s pasts offer “Murder” much-needed texture. 

“Murder in a Small Town” isn’t revolutionary. From the romance to the all-too-obvious murder cases, the series has no interest in being clever or slick. However, because it knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to do anything else, the show hits the nail on the head as a pleasing procedural with a 1990s-esque feel. 

“Murder in a Small Town” premieres Sept. 24 on Fox, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.