The BBC has confirmed that The Marlow Murder Club will replace Bergerac in the Friday night 9pm slot on BBC Two, beginning this Friday, August 28. The announcement follows the conclusion of the Bergerac reboot, which aired its sixth and final episode of the first season last week (Friday, August 21).
Bergerac's run on BBC Two
The rebooted crime series, starring Damien Molony in the lead role, originally broadcast on U&Drama in February last year. The BBC later acquired the broadcast and streaming rights, airing the drama on BBC Two every Friday night at 9pm in recent weeks. While viewers can still watch the series on BBC iPlayer, the conclusion leaves the prime-time weekend slot open.
The Marlow Murder Club takes over
The Marlow Murder Club, adapted from Robert Thorogood's series of novels, centres on an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths: retired archaeologist Judith Potts, dog walker Suzie Harris, and vicar's wife Becks Starling. They team up with local police to solve brutal murders in the English town of Marlow. A repeat of the first season will begin this Friday, August 28 at 9pm.
A synopsis for the season opener reads: "Retired archaeologist Judith Potts's peaceful evening in Marlow is shattered when she witnesses the murder of her neighbour. With the local police, led by newly promoted DS Tanika Malik, reluctant to believe her story, Judith starts her own investigation, enlisting the help of vicar's wife Becks Starling and local dog walker Suzie Harris."
Bergerac reboot's reception
The Bergerac reboot quickly earned praise from critics and viewers alike. Damien Molony took on the iconic role of Jim Bergerac, with other cast members including Zoë Wanamaker, Philip Glenister, and Chloé Sweetlove. The official synopsis describes the character: "Viewers first meet Jim Bergerac as a broken man, battling his demons and on leave after the death of his wife. But when a member of one of Jersey's wealthiest families is murdered, Chief of Police Uma Dalal (Sasha Behar) wants their best detective on the case."
"Bergerac returns to work to help him become the formidable detective he once was, whilst also trying to prove to his daughter Kim (Sweetlove) and mother-in-law (Wanamaker) that his life is back on track. The Wakefield's, led by patriarch and businessman Arthur (Glenister), are keeping their cards close to their chests, whilst a man from Bergerac's past resurfaces to make a shocking accusation. Is Bergerac up to the job?"
The original Bergerac television series was broadcast in the 80s, with John Nettles starring as the fictional detective. Audiences have loved Molony's interpretation, with some even suggesting that the reboot is better than the original. One IMDb user wrote: "Like the reboot. Love the cast. Good plots and clever twists. The setting of the show is also an added bonus. I really like the actor playing the lead role, he is very likeable as this character. I like the dynamic between him and his mother-in-law too, a kind of love-hate relationship. Overall really enjoyable."
Another added: "It's good to see Damien Molony in a lead role. I enjoyed the series - better than the original series," while a third said: "Loved it. Bergerac is a great character and the actors are all well rounded. Haven't seen the original but judged on its own it's a fantastic free to air crime drama. Hope there is a follow up season."
Bergerac fans will know that season two dropped earlier this year, with all 12 episodes of the drama streaming now on U&Drama and Channel 4. Bergerac is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
