My Life Is Murder

My Life Is Murder is an Australian television series that first premiered on Network Ten in July 2019. The narrative is designed as an episodic crime drama, but one with rooted character development and myriad uncovered secrets stretching over its storylines.

The central character in the series is a woman named Alexa Crowe, played captivatingly by Lucy Lawless, who many may know from her prominent role in Xena: Warrior Princess. In My Life Is Murder, Lawless presents a very different character, Alexa Crowe, a private investigator with a strong personality and sharp intellect, who employs her skills to butt heads with elusive criminals and cunning killers alike.

While Alexa is a former police detective, she happens to be reluctantly un-retired, and for a good cause. Her expertise in solving various intricate and baffling murder mysteries and her familiarity with police protocols make her an asset. Additionally, she uses her instincts and wit in combination with unique 'old-school' tactics, resulting in an exciting and compelling watch.

However, the series isn't entirely focused on the crime-fighting aspect. It dives considerably deeper into Alexa's character - exploring facets of her personal life including her relationships, her struggles, her personality quirks, and her culinary pursuits. This makes her a three-dimensional character who is more relatable to the audience, as opposed to just another crime-fighting protagonist.

Each episode of My Life Is Murder showcases a new mystery that demands investigation. So, the script picks up different aspects of a story, presenting a broad perspective of life circumstances woven into murder mysteries set in Melbourne's urban landscape. From victims to perpetrators, each character is unique with their own compelling back stories and motivations, and Alexa dives into these to uncover clues and unfold the truth behind their actions.

The series thrives on charismatic performances, coupled with its unique blend of suspense and humor. It maintains an atmosphere that is not only engaging because of the tension created by the crime mysteries and their unexpected outcomes but also for the subtle humor built into the dialogues and interactions. This light-hearted touch makes the show particularly enjoyable.

The ensemble cast adds charm to the series. Ebony Vagulans plays Madison, an ambitious police officer and Crowe's trustworthy aide; Bernard Curry portrays Kieran, the detective inspector and Crowe’s former colleague who seeks her help on complex cases. Each actor in the show contributes to building the narrative in a truly significant manner, binding it together and offering engaging sub-plots that keep viewers hooked.

Another tantalizing aspect of the series is the city of Melbourne itself. The city's contrasting landscape of modern high-rises, vibrant suburbs, and serene coastal areas adds a distinct character to the backdrop. With its diverse cultural landscape, the city lends an interesting backdrop to the storyline of each episode and beautifully complements the drama and action of the show.

My Life Is Murder is produced by Rachel Lang, Gavin Strawhan, and Tim Pye, all of whom put in considerable effort to make this series engaging and enjoyable. They carefully balance each episode with the right blend of intrigue, suspense, drama, and humor. The direction falls in able hands with Leah Purcell, Jovita O'Shaughnessy, and Jesse O'Brien, who have collectively sculpted the series to be a captivating take on crime dramas.

Though My Life Is Murder categorizes itself as a crime series, it is not your typical noir project. Instead, it is a modern, entertaining drama with a clever, gritty, and captivating central protagonist who spearheads every thrilling episode with her wit, skills and tenacity. The supporting characters and captivating storylines add depth to the series, making it enjoyable for viewers seeking a fresh perspective on episodic crime dramas.

Throughout its run, the show succeeds in creating a unique identity - one that is founded on suspense and intelligence but not devoid of subtlety or humor. From relishing Alexa's culinary creations to eagerly trying to get to the bottom of each murder alongside her - a watch of My Life Is Murder is an investment in gripping drama, thrilling mystery, and unapologetic wit that leaves no room for disappointment.