San Francisco homicide detective Maggie Price and former, world-class chef Henry Ross are on the case once again. The crime-solving odd couple investigates the murder of Henry’s friend, a well-known local chef found dead in his kitchen. As they begin to unravel an old family secret, Maggie has to stay one step ahead of a mysterious man in the shadows who appears to be stalking her, while her blossoming relationship with Henry is threatened by the arrival of an ex-love from Maggie’s past.

VERY IMPORTANT

If you like the Gourmet Detective series, please watch tonight and let Hallmark know you want more of these. There is a danger that this will be our very last of this series of mystery films. I know there is much that competes for our attention, but if you could find it in your heart, it would be such a wonderful thing to watch, tweet, facebook, and anything else you can muster to bring attention to this series. Let’s show Hallmark that we don’t want this series to die.

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Brooke Burns (Maggie), Dylan Neal (Henry)

For those who have been following my site for awhile now, you will know that the Gourmet Detective series is something I have supported from its inception. I have had the privilege of reviewing every single one of these films, and I hope with all my heart that this is not the ending. In my humble opinion, this is the best of this series so far, and if granted a fourth installment, I do believe that it will only continue to improve. These two are at the heart of the series and are responsible for making the film click in the way it does. I will review their performances a little bit later on, so bear with me as I examine the performances of the supporting cast.

L-R Christine Willes, Dylan Neal, Brooke Burns, Ali Skovbye Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Katie Yu

It is with great joy that I can say that Christine Willes and Ali Skovbye return as Doris and Abigail respectively. While their roles are small in this film, I can only hope that maybe if a fourth film is commissioned, we might get to concentrate on these two and learn more about them. They are always ideally suited to portray their characters and seamlessly play the only really stable parts of Maggie’s family, but since the first one, we haven’t seen much from them. But there is no doubt these two depict their roles with precision and credibility.

New to the cast, but certainly not new to Hallmark, is Adrian Hough, who knows exactly how to make a small scene significant and memorable. Adrian’s role is one that adds that necessary piece of levity and foreboding to the plot at a point when the action of the tale is rather heightened. No stranger to dark and nefarious characters, Adrian is one who takes this character with whom he has been entrusted as seriously as any of his other more substantial roles, and if a fourth film is granted, Adrian would love to recreate and extend this role. That is, unless, his character happens to have committed the murder. He certainly casts suspicion upon himself and others, but he is truly a delight to witness in this cast of notables.

Other familiar figures include the following:

From Garage Sale Mystery: The Novel Murders, Christmas Truce, The Man in the High Castle and more, Alex Zahara deserves an honorable mention as a supporting player who has an incredible amount of experience in various genres and mediums. You will see him play Whitt Honea in this film and do it well.

From Garage Sale Mystery, Cedar Cove and more, you will probably recognize Andrew Dunbar, who gives life to Dom and is equally worthy of an honorable mention. Andrew is the kind of actor who knows the business inside and out, and he always seems like a perfect fit in the supporting cast of a Hallmark show or film. Here’s hoping for even more substantial roles in the future for him as he is deserving of such an honor.

Brenda Crichlow, who has graced so many Hallmark films and more with her style, culture, and no nonsense persona makes a splash here with her skill and “take charge” attitude. She is always kind, but she is a strong woman, and the women she portrays in this film, Erica, is certainly no shrinking violet. I greatly anticipate the day that Hallmark decides to feature her in a lead, as her talent is simply that good.

As part of the storyline in this film, we see Maggie and Henry doing their best to to incite jealousy within the other by participating in a bit of flirting with old flames. I won’t ruin the surprise for you about whether Maggie and Henry entertain feelings for these past loves, but if you know these two characters, you can probably guess what’s really going on. If not, be sure to watch tonight as I simply adored seeing a jealous Maggie and Henry. (More fun to see Henry jealous though, I must admit.)

Photo: Brooke Burns, Chris William Martin

From somewhere in Maggie’s past, Steve arrives almost like a ghost in shining white armor. And there is no doubt that Chris infuses every ounce of deceptive charm and serpentine maneuvers into his interactions with Brooke’s character. In fact, I would venture to say that Steve is too polished to be genuine. He appears to be the perfect gentleman, but he also has other things on his mind for sure. Interestingly enough, Chris is probably a familiar face to fans of Heartland, When Calls the Heart, Cedar Cove, and countless other shows. The man has had an incredible career, and that is why he is the ideal one to step in and upset things between Henry and Maggie because after all, if anyone can do it, he can. His smooth operations may distract Maggie and remind her of erstwhile moments, but only time will tell if he will ultimately win her hand.

Of course, if Henry has anything to say about it….

Isn’t a picture worth a thousand words in this case? One thing about it. I would hazard a guess that if Steve is unable to spur Henry on to make his first real advancement towards a committed relationship with Maggie, I doubt that anything will ever come of their relationship. In fact, if Henry doesn’t act, my prediction would be that a slippery one like Steve could halt anything between them before it begins.

However, this is classic Henry, and Dylan portrays the skeptical not-quite-lover with effortlessness, technique, and some extraordinary humor. I mean, if Henry is not jealous, then what is he?

But of course, Henry has his own tricks up his sleeve. Quite by accident, he runs into an old inamorato who just might be a suspect in the murder case. Say hello to Sara as played by Camille Sullivan. Another veteran of The Man in the High Castle amongst other respectable works, such as Rookie Blue, DaVinci’s Inquest and more, Camille inculcates all the womanly enchantments possible into this potential threat to the happiness Maggie and Henry might have shared. And what if Henry’s instincts are wrong? She could be…But regardless, Maggie is definitely suspicious and questioning Sarah’s motivation in spending so much time with Henry.

Ben Wilkinson as Leo, Jordana Largy as Claudia

Not necessarily the most felicitous of couples, right? Ben and Jordana, however, are at the center of the mystery. Ben is no stranger to intense roles, and Jordana typically plays the lighter, coquettish type roles, especially for Hallmark, but I do believe the intensity of this role served her well. She certainly breathed such sorrowful and sometimes despondent life into this role. Claudia and Leo are having issues, no doubt, but our hope is always that they will work it out. After all, this is Hallmark.

What should be a very cheerful occasion is a bit tense even between old comrades such as Henry and Leo. Our fingers are crossed for the ill-omened couple, but there is another layer as we discover once the film commences.

Is it possible that Claudia is unfaithful? After all, there is a new chef, Mateo, as played by Matt Hamilton, one of those actors one cannot overlook. The persona he projects into his character far outshines Ben’s character, and instantly, we know that something is not quite right. Further proof that maybe Claudia is having an affair and possibly fleeing from Leo is this scene in the kitchen.  It is difficult to decipher how Claudia feels about Mateo, but no doubt, Mateo is still infatuated with Claudia. He doesn’t care if he jeopardizes his position with Leo or what ultimately happens to his livelihood. He longs to be with Claudia. Only time will tell if they will eventually find happiness together or if she will return to her husband.

Of course, murder does tend to alter the situation. Someone in these photos will not live to see another sunrise, and possibly someone pictured here will be the prime target of the ensuing investigation.

Let me say a word about Jordana. For all intents and purposes, this was her first lead in a film, and for much of it, I sensed her character as rather wooden. She didn’t seem much like the person I had interviewed. However, in time, I analyzed the genuine nature of things, and all I can say is, “Bravo Jordana! You played this role in the best way possible, and I look forward to seeing more from you as your career blossoms.”

Tragically, a death has occurred, and because of Maggie’s hunches, she investigates this death like a homicide, much to the chagrin of Steve and Henry. Well, Henry isn’t too bothered as long as Maggie spends time focusing on him rather than the case at hand. And Henry is eating his heart out and waiting for the day when he can convince Maggie that Steve is a flighty, pompous jerk with just one thing on his brain.

Marc Senior as Bailey, Matthew Kevin Anderson as Munro

Right away, Bailey, Munro, and Captain Forsyth (not pictured) get to work on the case. The two boys are assigned to the case and are attempting to solve something that makes no sense to them.

Looks like the two characters could use a little assistance, that is as far as the characters go. But the actors are impeccable as always. I love seeing Marc and Matthew on the case together. They are always hard at work unless they get sidetracked by Maggie or Henry. But in this one, they provide the humor and drive the story to its obvious conclusion. Excellent acting yet again.

Although Samantha Ferris is not pictured, I want to say a kind word about her acting in this one. Now, I’ve always admired Samantha from the moment I saw her. And her character is in charge and does it faultlessly. Well, in this one, Samantha leads her character to new heights as she gives some relationship tips to Henry. That’s right! Maybe if we get a fourth one, we can explore Captain Forsyth’s personal life and interests. Samantha does the perfect job of creating a character with amazing fortitude, but who still understands somewhat how to navigate the quagmire of love and relationships.

Of course, Henry comes in to save the day as only he can. Poor Bailey and Munro are doing nothing but grappling with the task with which they have been entrusted, and then Henry accomplishes it in nothing flat. I think he’s also showing off due to the emergence of the green monster.

Of course, it’s safe to say that Henry does have a knack for certain tasks, and this may be one of them. No doubt, he’s also pleased as punch to show off his handiwork to Maggie.

Unfortunately, iniquitous characters are still presenting themselves. What about this guy, Frank, as played by Aaron Douglas? He is brought in for questioning, and I have to say there was something shifty about him, but only time will tell whether he is the suspect. After all, murder mysteries like this are never simple, and picking the most obvious person is usually a recipe for disaster.

Aaron is yet another one of those actors known for his dark, sinister characters, but he has played a good guy now and then. Safe to say, he plays complex characters that are difficult for the audience to judge at times.

And it is no different here. The list of suspects is not terribly long, but solving the case is not a simple thing to do. Thankfully, Maggie and Henry are up to the job. It is Henry’s hope that he can show up Mr. Pretty Boy, AKA, Steve, as he is a rival for Maggie’s affections. If Henry does not declare himself soon….

When it comes to Dylan and Brooke, what can I say? I know I could talk about their spot on chemistry, their immaculate give and take in every scene, and the joy they project no matter what the on-camera situation. The humor between the two is often underrated, but just as skilled and clever as one could ask for.

In past cases, Maggie was very hesitant to permit Henry to actually work on the case with her. Henry was always making rookie errors, but no one ever questioned where his heart was. Maggie always felt the need to prove herself and repudiate the protection that Henry was offering. And their arguments were always legendary and raucously humorous. In fact, my understanding is that the banter on screen was often just as delicious off screen between Dylan and Brooke. I have live-tweeted with them after all!

Gratefully, Maggie is beginning to let her guard down with Henry. She is just about ready to move on without her ex-husband and start a new life for herself. Henry is hoping against hopes that he is the one she will choose, but on the advice of Captain Forsyth, he knows that he needs to be a gentleman and take the lead, in spite of Maggie’s protestations.

As I have watched this delightful duo over the past couple years, I cannot help but mention that the growth I have seen in their characters and as a team on screen has strengthened and matured to a mesmerizing level. While these two have been so fun from the beginning, the idea is that they are supposed to grow and change and get better. And indeed, they have done just that with exquisite and unparalleled flair. In fact, if I were to compare the growth that has occurred in these two as opposed to some of the other mystery films, I have to say that these two have advanced far more than any of the others. Granted, maybe the others didn’t have as far to come. If you take Murder, She Baked, Garage Sale Mystery, and Aurora Teagarden, it’s only the females who really have to mature and blossom. The guys don’t get as much screen time as Dylan does in these, and sometimes the lead even changes in those. The only thing I can compare it to is Flower Shop Mystery in which you have a male and female lead who are also growing in their love for each other. However, I would say that Brooke and Dylan had even more obstacles to overcome than these I have mentioned.

Nothing against Hallmark at all, but is seems that Gourmet Detective invariably falls on a crackerjack night of special programming, and it forces Hallmark audiences to choose between a pairing of Brooke and Dylan and some other well-respected and much-loved show. Furthermore, although these two are powerhouse stars, they don’t have the name recognition that someone like Lori Loughlin or Candace Cameron-Bure would have. These issues are the first hurdle that Gourmet Detective has had to conquer.

In addition to this, Hallmark is used to a strong female lead that shows she doesn’t even need a man to survive. The audiences crave those women who solve the crime without the help of a man. While I’m not sure why, this series just always seems to fly in the face of what some viewers hunger for. In most cases, Maggie and Henry solve the crime together, but in true Hallmark fashion, it is Henry that is often bungling everything, but somehow he unwittingly rescues Maggie from her imminent death, although she denies it later.

Now, I say all this to state the following. Brooke and Dylan have become a united force in this third film. They are equal partners that share equally in the discovery of clues and suspects. In fact, it is an equal partnership, though the respective characters may deny this is so. What Dylan and Brooke have brought to the network is a unique pairing where two people, a man and a woman, need each other in a way we usually don’t see in the network, and while they both have sensitive egos and desire to do it on their own, we now see a growth that appreciates what the other has to offer. The banter will always be there; it is something that makes this series what it has become. They are always attempting to top the other and keep the competition going, but at the end of the day, the characters are realizing that without the other one there, life would be boring and possibly dangerous. They have formed a mutual partnership based on a subtle respect for the other that they are only beginning to reveal in a somewhat guarded manner.

The acting of these both is something sincerely unique that I haven’t seen on any other network. They are able to keep the mysteries family friendly, feature villains who are bad to the bone and some that aren’t quite that evil, but are desperate people, and still keep that humor that first caused me to fall in love with Maggie and Henry. I realize that Dylan has mentioned that he was not completely satisfied as yet with what these two characters have brought to this film series, but what artist is? As we know, we are often our own worst critics. Coming from a fan perspective, I couldn’t think of any two characters that I would miss more if this series left the Hallmark Network. And I hope I am not in a minority.

Please don’t assume that Brooke and Dylan will continue to make these films no matter what and that you make no difference. In the world of television and films today, the viewer voice has often become a deciding factor. And in the Hallmark universe, fans drive the programming in a very unique way. Don’t let the story of these two special characters end with this film. Brooke and Dylan are such a perfect match on screen, and with Dylan’s wife penning the script, how on earth could we lose? Give this series a chance if you have not. Please tune in tonight (October 9) to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network, and let’s show Hallmark that we are as enamored with Brooke and Dylan, AKA, Maggie and Henry, as any other of their mystery films to date!

For more information:

http://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/death-al-dente-a-gourmet-detective-mystery

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