allaboutcats A little corny at times, and the main characters are a bit boring, but well worth watching. I watch a lot of murder mysteries and can't think of a one to compare it to. No gory crime scenes which is a nice change.

cosmax10 I use to live in New Zealand for 3 years way back in the 70's, it is unspoiled still. All the scenery houses bring back fond and nostalgic memories and for me, New Zealand is probably one of he most beautiful places on earth. The North Island was like 5 countries in one. I still have some family there. I really enjoy this show and the easy going relaxed lead characters. For me it is just a sit back and enjoy show, and some of the story lines are very good and well thought out. I use to work with, and knew a lot of quirky characters in Australia and New Zealand, and I recognize them in this show. The Maori actor also reminds me of the culture and customs of my friends that I use to hang out with.

pbellarbutus Just watched the first episode of Brokenwood and nearly turned it off in the first few minutes, fearing it was going to turn into needless violence, foul language and sex, like Top of the Lake, where the only good thing was the scenery. But no, I was pleasantly surprised, the lead actors were excellent and supporting cast very good in my opinion. Had no problem with the plot or the 'ho-hum' Auckland scenery. (I'm a Central Otago native)So I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ 'whodunnit', which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander. Well done NZ!

pensman For some reason this series get compared to Midsomer Murders when it is closer to Murder She Wrote in that the killings are not in multiple towns as they are in Midsomer but in one town, Brokenwood which is more like Cabot Cove,a small town full of murderers. The series uses the same establishing shot of Brokenwood in every episode: a small downtown surrounded by farms, woods, and grape vines. The main character is DI Mike Shepherd, Neill Rea, who likes country music, his twenty year old car, and always looks rumpled. He is aided by detective Kristin Sims, Fern Sutherland. There are four minor supporting characters, the most notable is Pana Herna Taylor as Jared Morehu. who I am guessing is supposed to represent local color. And Nic Sampson plays Constable Breen, the "gofer" officer. As an American I have some challenges in trying to discern what is being said as the three leads have what I assume to be New Zealand accents. I can usually parse out about 90% of what Mike says; 60% of Kristin; but only about 30% of Jared. Subtitles would be nice even though they are speaking "English." Oddly enough the guest stars—the suspects—are easier to understand. The plots are OK but you really watch if you like the characters, which I do. I tend to guess this is being produced on the cheap as if a character isn't important to the plot they don't get lines. You may see police officers milling around a crime scene but it is only the leads who have lines. The medical office is "manned" by one doctor and her response are terse at best. Maybe the money went for the soundtrack. I gather a second series has been approved.