Television critic Christopher Stevens has panned the second series of BBC whodunnit Ludwig, calling the David Mitchell detective comedy absolutely ridiculous.
Writing in his review for the Daily Mail, Stevens argued that the show treats murder investigations as simple brainteasers, such as chess problems or spot-the-difference puzzles. He added that while the corduroy-jacket-wearing amateur sleuth has not yet solved a crime by arranging nine suspects into a sudoku grid, such a plot is likely in the works.
The series stars Mitchell as John Ludwig alongside Anna Maxwell Martin as his sister-in-law Lucy. In current episodes, the duo are investigating a local Member of Parliament on suspicion of carrying out human sacrifices to achieve eternal life. Stevens described this storyline as a sort of Agatha-Christie-does-Hammer-Horror combination, comparing it to Miss Marple versus The Wicker Man.
Stevens criticized Mitchell as a quick-witted panel game player but a "one-trick actor" who portrays the bumbling crime consultant in the exact same manner as loans manager Mark in the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show. The critic noted that Mitchell plays the role as fussy, nervy, and aware of his social awkwardness without being able to do anything about it.
Comparing the performance to Jason Watkins in the detective drama McDonald & Dodds, Stevens noted that Watkins made a similar character believable by fading into the background. In contrast, when Ludwig arrives at a crime scene, the local CID squad takes a step back and allows an uninvited amateur to do their job for them.
Unrealistic mysteries and clashing genres
Stevens expressed disbelief at the portrayal of the Cambridge police force, writing that he could not accept that DCI Russell Carter, played by Dipo Ola, and his team are incapable of questioning suspects without the help of a neurotic escapee from Mensa. He also observed that the local police department apparently has no forensics experts.
The critic highlighted a recent scene in which an uninvited wedding guest staggers into the middle of a Scottish reel and drops dead. When Ludwig suffered a panic attack at the reception, which had turned into a wake, and bolted from the room, all the attending police officers dashed out with him.
Stevens argued that for "cosy crime" stories to work, the psychology must make sense even if the murder plots are outlandish. While acknowledging that it is bonkers for priests, hairdressers, or retirement village residents to catch killers, he insisted that character relationships must remain believable rather than merely serving script demands.
The review also warned that Ludwig is a mish-mash of genres that fail to gel. Stevens claimed that the show's subplot involving corruption among politicians and police top brass belongs in a gritty thriller like Line Of Duty rather than a twee whodunnit.
Supporting actors and guest appearances
Despite his criticism of the main plot, Stevens praised members of the supporting cast for keeping the show grounded. He singled out Mark Bonnar, who plays local newspaper editor Gareth Fisher, describing the crime drama veteran as a mainstay whose scenes provide essential ballast for the production.
The reviewer also pointed to weekly guest cameos, including Gary Beadle as a bolshie father of the bride and Michelle Greenidge as his sozzled wife. Stevens called their performances "a splash of champagne in a show that is strictly supermarket prosecco."
