Monday, May 24

Whitstable Pearl (Acorn TV Original) (Episodes 1-2 of 6; Weekly episodes through June 14)

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Whitstable Pearl explores the dark undercurrents of murder and debauchery swirling beneath the surface of the picturesque English seaside town of Whitstable, famous for its native oysters. Kerry Godliman (Ricky Gervais' After Life) stars in the titular role as Pearl Nolan, the big-hearted local restaurant owner who had just opened up a detective agency, a dream long delayed by an unplanned pregnancy that left her police career in tatters. When the body of a close family friend is found under mysterious circumstances in the series premiere, Pearl suspects foul play and teams up with new arrival, DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles, The Musketeers), to learn the truth. In episode two, an estate agent is found tied up having been tortured, and McGuire is left baffled over what could have driven someone to act so viciously. Meanwhile, Pearl investigates a string of anonymous donations and whether Whitstable has its very own Robin Hood. Also starring Frances Barber (Dr. Who, Silk) as Pearl's mother, Dolly. This series is based on the adored novels by Julie Wassmer (EastEnders). (2 EPS, 2021)