A British middle class couple, Tommy Beresfords (David Walliams) and Tuppence Beresfords (Jessica Raine) are riding in a train from France when they notice a woman called Jane Finn acting strange. She suddenly disappears, followed by two men who assassinate her boyfriend. Tuppence gets hold of Jane’s abandoned notebook and we see her hiding something in Tommy’s bee box.
Back in England, Tommy and Tuppence reflect back on what happened. While Tommy tries to sway his wife’s intentions, her curiosity pushes her to follow the tracks. She goes on a hunt in attempt to track down the missing woman, dragging her less willing husband into it all. And that ladies and gentlemen, is how you kick start a clichéd storyline on how ordinary folk become embroiled in espionage as secret agent spies.
Tommy and Tuppence are the most boring people I have ever seen (don't even get me started on the cheesy names). They have absolutely no excitement in their lives (not even real life problems) so much that they are easily swept away by the "adventure" to solve this ridiculous secret mission case like two little kids that have just watched an FBI action thriller. Their son George is away at school, so they obviously have plenty of free time in their hands. The plot almost reminds me of the Nancy Drew books we used to read back in primary school. It lacks real substance and social realism, which can be quite annoying at times. The Beresfords come across as obviously privileged people that have nothing better to do with themselves so they poke their noses in business that they really shouldn't mind.
I totally loved Tuppence's sense of style and fashion though. Excuse my derailing here, but it's one of the things that got me really excited to keep watching the show. With a post-WW2 backdrop, the production is filled with all sorts of 1950s design elements. From the furnishings to the wardrobe, it all contains a classic and eccentric yet eclectic feel. Tuppence is like a modern day blogger in those pretty blouses, fascinators and lady-gloves. While her clothing reflects her as a thorough lady, it is her rather strong and edgy personality that hardens this softness. Tommy keeps quite dapper in his greys and charcoals too.
While Tuppence is a quick-witted and spirited woman who has the curiosity of a cat; her husband is a bit of a clumsy head, always knocking things over or being hit by catering trucks. He throws away household bills without reading them and never reads instructions. It's no wonder that Tuppence seems to have mastered the skill of easily manipulating him and pulling the both of them into deeper and deeper trouble.
Jessica Raine plays Tuppence's character terrifically. She is smart, cool and fierce in a light-hearted manner. Even though she seems to take everything rather too serious, she isn't one to try too hard. She flows perfectly through it all. She is the true star of the show. William on the other hand, provides the best support. As much as his character is dragged into this mess unwillingly, he is quick to establish himself. He has a kind of control over his clumsy role and the two create a nice combination of "opposites attract". However, I hate how we don't quite see the romantic side of their relationship and much emphasis is placed on the theme of 'partners in crime'.
Back to the reel, Tuppence finds herself in an illegal gambling spot where she is roughed and ruffled when she attempts to question about the missing Jane. Meanwhile, Tommy ropes in the assistance of his uncle Major Anthony Carter (James Fleet) head of 'The Third Floor', a branch of British Military Intelligence. It is not long that they are suddenly on the run from the men from the gambling den. It is only then that the characters start to develop more solidly. They soon find out that the man that was assassinated on the train was an agent (all too convenient, I know); and in a nick of time, they go from being the ordinary middle-class couple we were introduced to, to being real agent spies. They are constantly tailed by strange men in cars, huffing and puffing along road pavements, and looking over their shoulders while trying to remain calm (rather pathetic and hard to believe if you ask me). Tuppence even goes undercover as an opera singer's secretary, who is apparently connected to this puzzle.
Just as things start getting interesting, the first episode comes to a wrap and we are left hanging. However, we are also left unsure on whether it is enough to lure us back for a second helping. Even though it is not the most grappling crime thriller you will ever watch, "Partners In Crime" is perfect for lazy Sunday nights escapism.
"Partners In Crime" airs every Sundays on BBC First at 8pm.
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