The InBESTigators

The InBESTigators is a delightful and family-friendly Australian television series that premiered on ABC3 in 2019. The show revolves around a unique, utterly charming, and surprisingly professional detective agency run by kids. It has an enjoyable mix of mystery, drama, and comedy, providing wholesome entertainment for audiences of all ages.

The kid-led detective agency is the brainchild of the young and incredibly vivacious Maudie Miller, a ten-year-old girl of extraordinary intelligence and superior detective skills. Maudie is joined by three other kids who complete the team of InBESTigators, each bringing their unique abilities and personalities to the agency. There's Ezra, who's really just an entrepreneur at heart channeling his organizational skills and business acumen to manage the agency, not to mention his charm which wins over their clients. There's Ava, a fast-talking pre-teen who's determined and eager to prove herself as a superb detective. And finally, there's Kyle, a kind-hearted and well-meaning boy who maintains the morale of the group. These four kids, though quirky and different, form a powerful team working diligently to solve the neighbourhood mysteries that baffle their adult counterparts.

Stemming from the premise of kids doing work that's typically reserved for adults, The InBESTigators embarks on various adventures that are cleverly plotted and have a strong emphasis on logical thinking. The mysteries presented each episode range from what the adults in their lives see as the mundane missing pets, lost items and the kid-specific trading card swindles to the more significant cases that adults can't seem to solve. The scripts are wonderfully written, with the perfect blend of humour and intelligence that makes each unfolding mystery captivating.

The show does not hold the hand of its viewers but rather encourages critical thinking. Each episode is presented in such a way that the audience will often find themselves seeking the solution alongside the characters. It’s not just about the 'who', but also the 'why' and 'how', a setup that echoes the classic detective stories that often involve substantial deductive reasoning.

The InBESTigators also displays an underlying empathetic tone that really sets it apart. It explores different aspects of friendship, family dynamics, and various universal aspects of human relationships that resonate with viewers. It's not just about solving mysteries, but also about the characters learning about life, how to cooperate and often disagree, and how to navigate various problems that kids their age experience.

One of the key elements contributing to the distinctive charm of the show is the characterisation. Every character in The InBESTigators is fleshed out and believable, making it easy for the audience to relate to them. The budding friendship and interactions among Maudie, Ezra, Ava, and Kyle remain the heart and soul of the series. The evolving dynamics of these four diverse characters provide an underpinning narrative that weaves its way through all the episodes, keeping the viewers invested in their individual and collective journeys.

Visually, the show is pleasing and engaging. The choice of a mockumentary style is an interesting maneuver, which works not only to provide a continual feeling of involvement for the audience but also to establish each episode's effectiveness. The depiction of the various ordinary settings like homes, school, playgrounds, and the detective agency itself is realistically done and adds to the authenticity of the show.

The InBESTigators is an excellent addition to children's television and sets a high bar for the mystery-comedy genre. It provides an exciting and engaging viewing experience for kids, while adults can appreciate the clever writing and portrayals. With metaphoric magnifying glass in hand, the series proves that it's not just a children's show, but a family show that offers a clever, funny, and quite charming take on detective stories. It advocates for intelligence, teamwork, and empathy, making it more than just worthwhile viewing, but essential. In summary, The InBESTigators is a well-rounded, engrossing, and enjoyable show that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next mystery.