The first episode of Murder in Provence places more emphasis in the scenery and a leisurely pace than the mystery itself.
Antoine Verlaque (Roger Allam) is an investigative judge in the jurisdiction of Aix-en-Provence where he lives with his partner Marnie Bonnet (Nancy Carroll.)
Both had gone through unhappy marriages and prefer living together, they even have their own homes.
Antoine plans a romantic getaway but is disturbed by the murder of a retiring fine art professor at his plush apartment that came with the job.
Antoine and Deputy Inspector Hélène Paulik (Keala Settle) work well together as they try to piece together what had happened.
It seems the professor planned to retire but had changed his mind. Maybe one of the rivals for his post is a suspect. Then there might have been financial fraud going on, his secretary is acting suspiciously.
Antione finds out that Marnie's communist mother Florence (Patricia Hodge) was at the leaving party the night before, where he announced his change of mind.
The role of an investigative judge who acts as a detective might be novel. There is wonderful rapport by the actors as Antoine and Marnie spend their time cooking, dining and discussing the case.
It is just too sedate and has to rely on a long confession at the end to wrap up the mystery.
Going by the first story, Murder in Provence aims to be warm, fuzzy and aimed at a mature audience.