Monday, May 2nd at 9pm, a world-famous magician and a legendary detective and writer team up to solve the cases no one else can.
Inspired by true events, the series follows two great men of the 20th Century – HARRY HOUDINI (Michael Weston, “House,” “Six Feet Under”), master magician, escape artist and paranormal debunker; and ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE (Stephen Mangan, “Episodes”), prolific writer, creator of “Sherlock Holmes” and paranormal aficionado.
They grudgingly join forces with New Scotland Yard to investigate unsolved and inexplicable and possibly supernatural crimes, alongside the first female Constable of the London Metropolitan Police Force, ADELAIDE STRATTON (Rebecca Liddiard, “Man Seeking Woman”).
I had a chance to check out the pilot today, and was pleasantly surprised. The early 20th Century setting gives it a mysterious and very appealing aesthetic. Where the format of the show may feel familiar, (think shows like The Mentalist, Bones, etc.) the unique talents held by each Houdini and Doyle provide for a very different experience when it comes to them solving the mysteries each episode. Doyle, of course, has an uncanny ability to tell if someone is lying where Houdini can debunk almost anything that appears to be magic. Just to add to the chemistry, they have an almost “Mulder and Scully,” believer and non-believer aspect to their relationship that brings all the more entertainment to the show.
The premiere starts with a murder that appears to have been committed by a recently-deceased member of an orphanage run by nuns. When the details of the crime are too puzzling for the local police, they call in the help of both Houdini and Doyle, two talented men that don’t necessarily like each other. After Doyle confirms the reliability of the witness, Houdini quickly finds the motive behind the crime and there the partnership begins.
Overall, Houdini and Doyle is an engaging, beautifully-crafted show that is sure to catch the attention of fans of shows like Bones, Sleepy Hollow and The X-Files. If you can’t make time Monday night, I’d definitely suggest DVRing this interesting new addition to the FOX Prime Line-up. Watch these men solve one mystery together, and you’ll be hooked.
Houdini and Doyle premieres this Monday, May 2nd at 9pm right here on FOX 28.
