‘Death and Other Details' Review: Mandy Patinkin's on-screen brilliance gets wasted in forced mystery
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Emmy award winner Mandy Patinkin assumes the role of Rufus Cotesworth in Hulu's latest mystery series 'Death and Other Details'.
Known as the world's greatest detective, Cotesworth is called upon by a young Imogene Scott, portrayed by Sophia Reid-Gantzert, to solve the murder of her mother, a victim of a tragic car bomb attack. The detective's failure to discover the culprit leaves Imogene embittered.
Fast forward to the present, and a grown-up Imogene, played by Violett Beane, finds herself on a luxurious ocean voyage with the affluent Collier family that essentially raised her.
The unexpected reunion with Cotesworth takes a startling turn when a murder occurs on the ship, compelling Imogene and the once-revered detective to collaborate in unraveling the recent crime as well as her mother's unsolved case.
Mandy Patinkin remains under-utilized in 'Death and Other Details'
Despite Mandy Patinkin's commendable portrayal, the series grapples with certain drawbacks, particularly in character development. The opening episodes introduce a myriad of characters, making it challenging for many to stand out.
It takes a few episodes to grasp the dynamics at play, with Agent Hilde Eriksen, played by Linda Emond, being one of the few characters to truly make a mark.
The ship is filled with eccentric passenger-suspects, ranging from the vessel's owner Sunil Bhandari (Rahul Kohli) to business tycoon Lawrence Collier (David Marshall Grant). The suspects feel cliched, failing to make a significant impact in the crowded storyline.
Caught up in a complex narrative of secrets, lies, and romantic entanglements, the series unfortunately miserably fails at utilizing the full potential of Patinkin.
'Death and Other Details' loses charm amid overstretched narrative
'Death and Other Details' also faces challenges with likability, as almost none of the characters aboard the ship are endearing. As the plot thickens, the narrative becomes a convoluted maze rather than an enticing puzzle.
Flashbacks featuring Beane's character at different life stages add an unnecessary layer, sometimes detracting from the central mystery.
Violett Beane as Imogene fails to resonate throughout the ten episodes. Even her agony revolving around her mother's death doesn't evoke any empathy. Interestingly, Sophia Reid-Gantzert as young Imogene leaves quite an impression with limited screen time.
The Hulu series appears to suffer from a stretched screenplay, feeling more like a forcibly extended movie script than a captivating series.
'Death and Other Details' creators Heidi Cole McAdams and Mike Weiss grapple with pacing issues and a crowded narrative that may leave viewers impatient.
In conclusion, while the series offers intricate stylization and compelling twists, it falls short in character development and pacing. The overstretched plot and lack of standout characters hinder its potential, leaving viewers yearning for a more fulfilling journey rather than just a resolution at the end.
For enthusiasts of the murder mystery genre, 'Death and Other Details' proves to be a disappointment. However, for those seeking a time-killer, the show becomes watchable, thanks to its engaging and visually striking aesthetics.
'Death and Other Details' is available to stream on Hulu