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| The first two episodes of “Death and Other Details” premiere on Hulu on Jan. 16, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly on Tuesdays. |
Hulu’s “Death and Other Details” unravels a murder mystery entrenched in powerful family dynamics and generations of hidden truths. The series, a whirlwind of speed and complexity, oscillates between delightful chaos and perplexing moments. Despite occasional uneven pacing and missteps, the gripping whodunit narrative keeps audiences engaged.
Created by Mike Weiss and Heidi Cole McAdams, the show initiates two decades in the past, with Rufus Coteworth (Mandy Patinkin), acclaimed as the “world’s greatest detective,” investigating the suspicious death of Imogene Scott's mother.
Fast forward to the present, Imogene (Violett Beane), now 28, embarks on a luxurious cruise aboard the SS Varuna, marking the retirement of patriarch Lawrence Collier (David Marshall Grant) and the CEO promotion of her best friend, Anna (Lauren Patten).
The opulent celebration takes a dark turn as a guest is murdered, thrusting Imogene into the spotlight as the prime suspect. To clear her name, she reluctantly partners with Rufus, unraveling a complex web of past events. The series intricately weaves through time, exploring memory manipulation and delivering dizzying twists.
While some aspects, such as dissecting memory and introducing standout characters like TikTok-obsessed That Derek, work well, the expansive cast and evolving plot occasionally lead to episodes lacking clarity. Despite a lack of likable characters, the mystery gains momentum as Imogene and Rufus delve into revelations about the past.
“Death and Other Details” attempts to distinguish itself in the saturated murder mystery genre, drawing inspiration from classic Agatha Christie tales. The series shines when blending old-world glamour with modern humor, though maintaining consistent sharpness proves challenging. Patinkin and Beane anchor the show with their unhinged duo, injecting life into the pursuit of truth.
In a landscape populated by murder mysteries like Netflix’s “Knives Out” and Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” Weiss and Cole McAdams strive for uniqueness. While not flawlessly sharp, the series prompts viewers to reevaluate preconceived notions, highlighting the pitfalls of navigating upper-class society on the open sea.
The first two episodes of “Death and Other Details” premiere on Hulu on Jan. 16, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly on Tuesdays.
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