David Mitchell Solves Murders with Puzzles in ‘Ludwig’ – The Must-Watch Crime Dramedy of the Year!

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David Mitchell, everyone! If you’re a fan of British comedy or yet to be acquainted, take note. He’s demonstrated his comedic prowess countless times – witness Channel 4’s “Peep Show” and the hilarity he brings in every project as part of the duo Mitchell and Webb, not forgetting his long-running panel series “Would I Lie to You,” where he’s been a fixture for 18 years alongside Lee Mack (and with host Rob Brydon for most of its run). In his latest series, a distinctive blend of crime and comedy penned by writer-creator Mark Brotherhood (“Mount Pleasant”), Mitchell solidifies the suspicion that his talent extends far beyond making us laugh until we cry.

Indeed, it’s worth mentioning that Mitchell’s latest small-screen series, titled Ludwig, set to debut on Britbox via ITV, is primarily a police procedural. In simpler terms, this implies that there are numerous scenes featuring gunfire and high-speed car chases at 120 mph, though it’s important to note that Mitchell’s character isn’t exactly James Bond behind the wheel – he struggles with parking and always carries a pen-filled pocket protector.

His character is a genius puzzler who stumbles into heroism within the Cambridge police force, solving one murder after another. Each hour-long episode leaves us eager for more as it concludes. The series is stylish, boasts impressive acting performances, and encourages viewers to dust off their old brain-teasers for a mental workout of their own.

‘Beethoven’s 9th’ for Days

To set the record straight, “Ludwig” isn’t Mitchell’s real name for his latest character, but rather a pseudonym chosen by John Taylor as a coping mechanism from childhood trauma. In the captivating and thrilling debut episode, we delve into the complicated past of this troubled adult. John and his twin brother James were deserted by their father on New Year’s Eve in 1989, leaving their recently single mother to raise them as young boys.

Just like Tony Shalhoub’s beloved character Monk, who used his exacerbated OCD to boost his detective abilities after his wife’s tragic death, John’s backstory unfolds.

In the story of Ludwig, young John, who was bright but constantly bullied, spent the night after his father left by scribbling solutions to countless puzzles on his house’s chalkboard, with the powerful music of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony playing from a record player. When he filled the board with his brilliant puzzle-solving, John signed it as “Ludwig.” Years later, the solitary John continues to view life through the lens of puzzles but keeps himself confined within the walls of his small home. However, this changes when Lucy, the desperate wife of his twin brother James, calls him to travel 150 miles across the U.K. to rural Cambridge, so she can inform him about her husband’s recent disappearance.

In a twist of events, the previously missing James, who holds the position of Chief Inspector in the Cambridge police force, has been acting strangely and vanished without a trace, leaving behind an enigmatic message. The quirky Lucy comes up with a daring idea: to get John, James’ identical twin brother, to pretend to be him and sneak into the department’s office to gather any vital clues about James’ whereabouts. Seems straightforward enough, considering they are twins, but wait… Once John hesitantly accepts Lucy’s absurd proposal and enters the bustling Cambridge headquarters…

The Marvelous Mr. Mitchell

After the thrilling finale of the premiere episode, it might be said that Ludwig provides the most captivating first episode from the past year or so. It delivers everything you could expect, such as an intriguing (although seemingly unrealistic) foundation for upcoming episodes. Regrettably, those subsequent episodes don’t quite live up to the pilot, but they do develop John’s complex character further and also enrich the characters of the supporting cast.

I find myself drawn into the police force alongside my brother James’ current partner, DI Russell Carter (Dipa Ola, quite formidable), who steps in as a replacement for his previous partner, also unaccounted for. By the start of episode two, it seems fitting to refer to him as my partner. Intriguingly, by the conclusion of the pilot, I’ve unwittingly become embroiled in solving a murder case, using my knack for puzzles to crack the case shortly after assuming the role of my brother for the first time.

As a film enthusiast, I find myself drawn into the world of police procedurals, much like the gripping series “Carter.” Each episode delves into a unique enigma surrounding a suspicious death, pulling me, or rather Carter, along with his partner, John. The crime scenes take place in a variety of settings, from opulent office buildings to secluded work retreats, and even within the hallowed walls of an elegant church.

In a way that mirrors the ongoing investigation of his wife’s murder in “Monk,” John and Lucy unravel the mysteries surrounding Carter’s brother James throughout the series. They gradually unearth the reasons behind James’ disappearance, his abandonment of Lucy, and their son, Henry (played by Dylan Hughes), and the secrets that have been buried for years.

In the story “Ludwig“, John’s heart is evident, especially as he smoothly becomes a part of Lucy’s household rhythm. However, her patience wanes as he often diverts her attention away from locating her brother due to ‘work’. The puzzle solver consistently excels in resolving one case after another, but this proficiency actually hinders his primary objective: gathering leads about James.

Despite concerns that the latest Brotherhood series might become too gloomy, the office filled with detectives and police agents keeps things light-heartedly humorous and cheerful. This is classic British comedy, so be prepared. Keep an eye on subordinate detectives Evans (Gerran Howell) and Finch (Izuka Hoyle), who attempt to assist their superior “James,” all while casting furtive glances at the hapless John whenever cop jargon or headquarters procedures are involved. Added humor ensues there. Also, watch for Ralph Ineson, often seen in Robert Eggers’ works such as ‘Nosferatu’ and ‘The Witch,’ who makes a strong impression throughout season 1 as the Chief Constable Ziegler, hinting at deeper layers that keep us hooked on watching more. A blend of mystery and top-notch English wit unfolds against the pristine backdrop of Cambridge in Mitchell’s new dramedy series, which might just be his most compelling role yet.

Ludwig premieres March 20 on BritBox.

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2025-02-21 08:02