Watch P.D. James: Cover Her Face

P.D. James: Cover Her Face is a British television series that first aired on Anglia Television in 1985 as part of the "Mystery!" series on PBS in the United States. It is an adaptation of the first novel by author P.D. James, the acclaimed crime writer who created the famous detective Adam Dalgliesh. The show follows Dalgliesh, a Scotland Yard detective, as he investigates the murder of Sally Jupp, a maid who works for a well-to-do family in East Anglia.

The series is set in the 1960s and maintains much of the look and feel of that era, with costumes, hairstyles, and sets that are evocative of the time. The show also features plenty of countryside scenery and cozy interiors that add to the cozy mystery vibe. The acting is top-notch, with Roy Marsden giving a nuanced and understated performance as the cool, collected Dalgliesh. The rest of the cast is similarly talented, with each member bringing their own quirks and nuances to their roles.

The story begins with Sally Jupp leaving her baby on the doorstep of the Maxie family, the wealthy landowners for whom she works. Not long after, she is found dead in her room with her head bashed in. The Maxies are a complicated bunch, with a prickly matriarch, a philandering son, a daughter who is engaged to a man her family doesn't approve of, and a son-in-law who is an alcoholic and a disappointment to everyone. Any of them could have had a motive for Sally's murder, and Dalgliesh must use his intellect, intuition, and powers of observation to figure out whodunit.

The investigation is complicated by the fact that Sally has a mysterious past, having come from a lower-class background and having been involved in some shady dealings. She is, in fact, not who she appears to be, and her secrets have a way of complicating matters for everyone involved. As Dalgliesh delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal that makes it clear that there is more going on in the Maxie household than meets the eye.

P.D. James: Cover Her Face is a slow-burning mystery that takes its time in piecing together the clues and motives behind Sally's murder. The pacing is deliberate, with plenty of time spent developing the characters and their relationships. The setting is also an important part of the show, with the bucolic countryside providing a contrast to the dark deeds happening behind closed doors. The show also touches on themes of class, gender, and power, as the characters navigate issues of status, expectation, and moral responsibility.

Overall, P.D. James: Cover Her Face is a classic example of the cozy mystery genre, with its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric setting. Fans of British mystery shows will find plenty to enjoy here, as will readers of P.D. James' novels. The show is a timeless classic that will continue to appeal to generations of viewers.