starring Derek Jacobi, Sean Pertwee
The Cadfael Mysteries are well crafted novels, plopped in the midst of mediaeval conflict. Ellis Peters conveys the historical period without forcing you to endure a history course in order to follow events. In the midst of this, she plants her “rare Benedictine” of a detective, an astute, observant former soldier, who has (quite seriously) become a Benedictine monk and herbologist. His worldy experience makes him unsurprised by human actions, while his religious calling gives him compassion for those stressed beyond their endurance.
Derek Jacobi & Sean Pertwee in “Cadfael” (Season 1)
These dramatizations of the books shine in their adaptations. Jacobi is perfect as Cadfael, bringing depth, humor and a touch of steel to the character. In “One Corpse Too Many”, Cadfael crosses wits with Hugh Beringar (played by Pertwee in this set, and in my opinion, the best of those to play the role of Beringar) in trying to find out how and why a murdered man’s body winds up among those of some executed rebels. The other episodes in the set are also good. “Monk’s Hood” brings a former love of Cadfael’s back into his life, when her son is suspected of murder. “The Leper of St. Giles” combines murder and thwarted young love. “The Sanctuary Sparrow” presents a murder in a setting of class conflict and prejudice.
Now, I’d be willing to sit and watch Jacobi read from laundry lists. So, it’s easy for me to praise his work. Even so, he’s very good here. Also, as a medievalist, I like the setting. And of course, the mystery story fan in me loves a good puzzler. Here I get it all in one fell swoop, all nicely done.
