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The BBC's crime comedy series "Ludwig" is currently available for streaming on BritBox. The show premiered with two episodes on March 20, followed by a third episode on March 27. The remaining three episodes are scheduled to become available each Thursday through April 17.
David Mitchell, known for "Upstart Crow," portrays John Taylor, a recluse who creates puzzles under the pseudonym "Ludwig." The storyline follows John as he unexpectedly steps out of solitude to impersonate his twin brother, James, a detective chief inspector who has gone missing from the Cambridge police force.
The plan for John's impersonation is devised by James' wife, Lucy, played by Anna Maxwell Martin from "Line of Duty." Lucy is determined to discreetly find her husband, whose disappearance is known only to his immediate family.
Through assuming James' identity, John gains access to James' work environment to search for clues about his brother's whereabouts. However, to maintain the ruse, John must also continue the murder investigations that James left behind, using his skills as "Ludwig."
This narrative allows the series to mix a murder-of-the-week format with an overarching storyline focused on James’ disappearance. The first season involves extensive exposition to set up this dual narrative arc.
A second season is reportedly in development, while the first ends with James still unfound, paving the way for more focus on John’s investigative efforts.
Showrunner Mark Brotherhood has woven humor into crime-solving, leading to some questions of plausibility, especially regarding how easily John assumes James' identity among his colleagues who have known him for years. Despite this, Mitchell and Martin's performances are notably engaging.
Mitchell's comedic portrayal highlights John's struggles as an outsider in unfamiliar situations, while Martin effectively balances vulnerability and determination in Lucy’s quest. The show maintains a tone free of graphic violence and sexual content, making it suitable for viewers from teens to older audiences.
The series is directed by Robert McKillop and Jill Robertson, and offers an intriguing mix of mystery and comedy.
Garan Santicola provided this review for OSV News.
