Search - Pie in the Sky: Series 1 on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 11/25/2018...

This series was an absolute treat to watch! A gourmet chef who keeps getting recalled to duty, or else. The main character DI Crabbe has quite the wry sense of humor and appeals to the Humanity in all of us. Curiosity is peaked to see just what's on the menu each episode. I learned about a few rather obscure vegetables and varieties of such watching, and tried cooking some of these dishes myself. Great series! Really recommend this title. Every episode and season was solid.

A QUIRKY COMBINATION OF COP AND CHEF MYSTERY SERIES.

Harold Wolf | Wells, IN United States | 04/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although the box description touts the comedy aspect of this series, it is 98% police mystery. There is some lighthearted moments, and some images of fine food (no recipes provided), but expect some serious investigative work by a crime detective that sometimes has his own way to looking into the facts, sometimes not quite on the up-and-up, and always with his heart back at the restaurant called "Pie in the Sky."



Many kudos for the performance of Inspector Henry Crabbe (Richard Griffiths) as he unravels the sometimes nonexistent clues. He also cronically seeks time to work on new menu items and cares for his music loving chickens (eggs must be fresh). Crabbe's wife, Margaret (Maggie Steed), plays the perfect spouse, looking out for the financial side of Crabbe's retirement cafe as well as keeping him honest with his requirements to his police boss, Fisher.



Assistant Crime Commissioner Fisher (Malcolm Sinclair), is a man provided for the viewer to hate. He traps Crabbe into abandoning his retirement plans, after an investigation arrest goes bad, and Crabbe gets a minor bullet-in-the-leg wound while dining with the man supposed to be arrested. It looks suspicious. Fisher all but blackmails Crabbe into additional crime assistance, always at Fisher's beck-and-call, forcing the retirement "Pie in the Sky" restaurant to be started up under Margaret Crabbe's name. She doesn't even like food.



Each episode is a new call to a different crime and tough investigation that ACC Fisher needs help solving. Promotion seeking Fisher plans on Crabbe taking the blame if things go awry. For all viewers that enjoy English versions of police mystery, this is unusual and quite well done. Acorn Media has provided SDH subtitles for every episode, sometimes a help with the fast-talking, strongly accented, members of the cast.



Episodes (10 at 49 min. each) included in this first Series 1 set are:

1 The Best of Both Worlds- Crabbe gets shot, retirement delayed opener.

2 The Truth Will Out- Restaurant begins, along with police corruption.

3 An Innocent Man- Many food regulars, but one needs investigated.

4 Once a Copper- Seafood menu time, & a dead man returns.

5 A Shot in the Dark- Red herring and smuggling make a mixed menu.

6 Undesirable Elements- Crabbe public relations assignment finds crime.

7 Passion Fruit Fool- Fisher vacations,Crabbe stirs in restaurant crime.

8 A Matter of Taste- Wine menu, and Margaret gets involved with crime.

9 Who Only Stand and Wait- Farm fresh veg's, mix with buried body parts.

10 Endangered Species- Crabbe gets set up, must he arrest Margaret?



The 3-DVD set includes a Bonus Feature interview with Maggie Steed in widescreen. the episodes are in full screen. Enough crime and mystery suspense to keep you waiting for the "Pie in the Sky Series 2" coming later.



Final answer: British Police Mystery fans should buy; if you want British Comedy then give this one a miss."

Pie in the sky.DVD.

Veronica Koffman | 04/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have seen these on BBC America, they are wonderful.

Part comedy part mystery.

I had tried to get them before but they were only

on Region 2. Delighted I can obtain them now."

Weaves elements of culinary delight into its slyly sumptuous

Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 05/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Starring Richard Griffiths (whose previous appearances include "The History Boys" and "Harry Potter"), Pie in the Sky Series 1 is the debut boxed set of a British DVD series that blends elements of mystery, police drama, and comedy into a witty whole. 25-year police veteran Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe longs to take early retirement and open the restaurant of his dreams, which he calls "Pie in the Sky", but his accountant wife thinks his dream is a bottomless money pit, and his boss needs him to handle those intricate cases that he has a natural gift for! A surprisingly lighthearted crime drama (at least, as lighthearted as any crime drama can be), Pie in the Sky even weaves elements of culinary delight into its slyly sumptuous storytelling. Special features include an interview with star Maggie Steed, production notes, a biography of Richard Griffiths, and more. Highly recommended. 3 DVDs, 10 episodes, 488 minutes plus 18 minutes bonus program, 4:3 full screen, subtitles.

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