Death Comes to Town

Death Comes to Town is an eight-part comic mini-series that aired on CBC in 2010. This darkly humorous series was the brainchild of the members of the celebrated Canadian sketch comedy troupe, The Kids in the Hall. In their uniquely audacious style, they developed a quirky television show that takes a satirical, at times absurdist, take on a mystery murder in the fictional small town of Shuckton, Ontario.

The story unravels in the seemingly quiet town where the most exciting events are usually pie-contests and municipal announcements. However, normalcy is completely overthrown when Death himself pulls up to town on a Greyhound, disguised as an ordinary pizza delivery guy. The unexpected arrival of Death is soon followed by the mysterious and gruesome murder of Shuckton's beloved mayor. It is here that the series takes an exciting turn, plunging into an odd, atmospheric whodunit that leaves the town's eccentric residents puzzled and scared.

What distinguishes Death Comes to Town is its cast. Each member of The Kids in the Hall demonstrates their knack for character acting by taking on multiple roles - an impressive feat that adds extra layers of comedy. These include a wide assortment of colorful characters; from dysfunctional townspeople, competing news anchors, to the mayor's widow and the town's naive lawyer eager to solve the case. It's impossible not to be sucked into the mix of comedy, mystery, and absurdity as the group's dynamic characters battle it out against the backdrop of Shuckton's unraveling mystery.

Despite the show's grim title, Death Comes to Town is more than just a murder mystery or a flirtation with mortality. It's a sarcastic commentary on small-town life, on its gossip, petty disputes, and banal routines. With its keen sense of observation, the show digs into the imperfections, absurdities, and eccentricities of the residents, sparking laughter while maintaining an element of intrigue.

The quirky writing smoothly transitions between humor, horror, absurdity and even moments of unexpected poignancy, a testament to the show's diverse styles and tones, maintaining an engaging pace throughout the series. The series deploys a surreal style of humor that the Kids in the Hall are known for - creating a universe that is both visually and narratively appealing to new and long-standing fans.

On the visual side, the series retains a compelling look aided by the rich and crisp cinematography. The sultry, dark tones of the backdrop beautifully juxtapose the comic elements of the show, further enhancing its absurdist humor and complementing the storyline. The dreary look of the town, underscored by a fittingly odd score, amplifies the mystery of the narrative.

Furthermore, peppered with unexpected twists and turns, the plot doesn't shy away from challenging the viewers. One minute you're laughing at a delightfully absurd situation, the next you're thrown into a whirlwind of mystery that deepens the intrigue, as Benevolent Death idly waits around to claim his next victim.

Besides, as the series progresses, the characters reveal endearing and pleasantly surprising quirks that keep you engaged and rooting for them. Even the presence of the morbidly jovial Death doesn't feel out of place among Shuckton's zany residents.

Overall, Death Comes to Town is a smart, satirical, beautifully shot comedy show that doesn't back away from adding a dose of horror and dark mystery to its storytelling. It promises a good time with a perfect blend of belly laughs, shivers, and mystery. In the end, it serves not just as a comedy or a mystery mini-series, but as an experience that truly showcases the signature comedy style of The Kids in the Hall.

Consequently, for those who love their humor served with a side of mystery and oddity, Death Comes to Town is undoubtedly a must-watch. It's a bold and audacious comedy-murder mystery that will tickle your funny bone, thrill you, and keep you guessing until the very end.