Rosemary and Thyme: The Complete Collection

As you all know I love British movies and television. Acorn Media, who is one the best companies I have the pleasure of having a working relationship with, provided me with a detective series with a twist. Rosemary and Thyme: The Complete Collection was released by Acorn Media February 5, 2008. The 9-volume collector’s edition features all 22 episodes.

Rosemary Boxer (Felicity Kendal, Good Neighbors, The Chamomile Lawn) is a former university plant biologist who loses her job after an old flame stabs in the back. While investigating why some trees are oozing something strange Rosemary meets Laura Thyme (Pam Ferris, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Matilida) a former police officer who has come to see friends after being dumped by her husband for a younger woman. The women quickly become friends and not only figure out why the trees are ill, but also why the owner of the trees has a strange skin disorder and who killed Laura’s friend. The two women start a gardening business and because of their unique talents, solve a few crimes in between plantings.

Rosemary and Thyme: The Complete Collection was shot on location in some very beautiful English manors, not to mention gardens. Some of the most notable are London’s Kew Gardens and Regent’s Park. Not to mention the French Riviera and Italy’s Ligurian Coast. The final episode has one of the most beautiful vineyards I have ever seen showcased. For me these locations really made the show. Having Rosemary and Thyme just going to any old garden would have made what they do seem less authenticate.

Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris are both wonderful in their respective roles. I love they way they play off one another. They have chemistry and dynamic that makes it appear as though the roles were written just for them. Pam Ferris makes Laura seem loud and over the top at times while still vulnerable. She was very much comfortable being married and suddenly being single is hard for her. During the course of the series we are introduced to Laura’s two children. Her son, who is a police officer, helps with the cases at times. Her daughter, who is angry about her parents divorce, has a harder time allowing Laura into her life. Felicity Kendal as Rosemary brings a sort of “loving to be single” attitude. She has had boyfriends that we meet at different times. Yet there is a softness about her such as when she confesses to wanting to of had children.
We meet Rosemary’s mother as well, who is as spunky as her daughter.

The DVD collection includes an interview with Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris as well as production notes, location notes, photo galleries, cast filmographies, and a trivia quiz. While none of this really adds to or takes away from the collection I love going through the special features because you just never know what you might find out.

All in all Rosemary and Thyme: The Complete Collection is by far one of the best series I have watched this year. While I wasn’t familiar with the show prior to watching I am so glad I did. This collection covers it all from lying to murder, from happiness to sadness and everything in between.

Rita’s Rating: