Houdini and Doyle

Houdini and Doyle is an intriguing mystery drama television series aired on FOX in 2016. This one-of-a-kind show combines elements of history, detective work, supernatural subjects, and famous historical characters to create a compelling narrative that keeps audiences hooked.

The series heroes are two men whose names have become part of popular culture lexicon but are reimagined here in completely new roles: Harry Houdini, (played by Michael Weston), famous escapologist and debunker of the paranormal, and Arthur Conan Doyle, (portrayed by Stephen Mangan), renowned author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries and an advocate for spiritualism.

Set in the early 20th century, in a time when the world was still replete with the unexplained and significantly at a crossroads between belief in the supernatural and the introduction of scientific methods, the show narrates an unlikely friendship between Houdini and Doyle. What makes it even more interesting is the stark contrast in their beliefs regarding mysteries - Houdini insists on practical, physical explanations whilst Doyle offers refrains of spiritual or supernatural reasoning. Balancing them out of sorts is Sergeant Adelaide Stratton, (played by Emily Carey), one of the first female police officers in the London Metropolitan Police Force, who frequently veers between both points of view.

Each episode sees the trio investigating baffling and unexplained mysteries, usually of the supernatural sort. Doyle, ever the believer, often offers an explanation that involves elements of the supernatural or spiritual, while Houdini, the pragmatist, consistently strives to find a rational, scientific explanation. Straddling the dividing line between scepticism and belief is Stratton, who also serves to provide a much-needed female perspective in this male-dominant duo. The show's narrative neatly interweaves these different perspectives, providing the audience with an engaging blend of logic, reasoning, and the supernatural.

Tim McInnerny and Diana Quick also enhance the series' star power. McInnerny (known for his role in Blackadder) plays an authoritative police supervisor, while Quick (of Brideshead Revisited fame) delivers a compelling performance as a woman who claims to be able to communicate with the dead.

Despite its historical setting, Houdini and Doyle does an admirable job of reflecting contemporary issues within its narratives. Topics such as gender equality, the role of religion and spirituality in society, and the constant struggle between science and belief are all touched upon, masterfully integrating these overarching themes into its episodic crime-solving format.

The clever interplay of ideas and belief systems helps to accentuate the character development throughout the series. This is not merely a detective series, there are real, human dramas being played out, and the characters are given room to grow and evolve. The writers also cleverly interweave actual historical events, facts, and well-known figures from the era, giving the series a certain authenticity despite its mainly fictional accounts.

Visually, the series is a delight. The set pieces evoke an atmospheric and sometimes eerie portrait of early 20th century London. From the smoky backstreets to the grand theatres, every set piece is designed to draw the viewer further into the story. The dramatic score, composed by James Jandrisch, reinforces the tension and the mystery of each episode.

Houdini and Doyle is an entertaining blend of mystery and historical drama that weaves a fascinating narrative tapestry. It combines historical figures, detective work, supernatural elements, and complex characters in a beautifully illustrated setting. For viewers who enjoy historical dramas, mysteries, or the exploration of the supernatural, this series certainly offers a unique and intriguing prospect.