No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - Series 1

This is wonderful viewing, capturing some lively characters in eccentric, yet vibrant situations. Each episode has enough happening to sustain the momentum at the right pace, and there are many colourful moments that cause a little chuckle to arise. The intended awkwardness of some sticky situations raises the tension somewhat - but overall, this comprises easy-going, African style atmosphere to warm the heart. The characters could have been real, and underline my love for Botswana and its hearty people. I love this series, and so wish they would consider filming at least another.

I loved this, wish they would do some more. The music, the scenery are wonderful. The characters are great as well, especially Grace, without her it wouldn't work.

Based on the novels by Alexander McCall Smith, this drama stars Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's first and only female private detective. Growing up in a rural area, Precious was destined for a life of farming until, one fateful day, her father dies. Selling off the family cows, Precious heads to the big city, determined to be a successful P.I., and become part of the ever changing African cultural landscape. Before long, she finds herself investigating a sizzling hot case, with the help of Mr JLB Matekoni, the owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and Mma Makutsi, the fastest typist in the city. Includes all 7 episodes of this, the first series.

This is quiet simply quality television. This joint project between the BBC and HBO showcases the beauty and scale that Africa has to offer. For anyone who has not read the books it is well worth the read the performances from the cast is just first class and I would hope that a second series is in the pipeline.

An engaging drama that uses well worn detective conceits to both parody detective fiction and to breathe some new life into it. This is done by placing the action in (for wet weather Brits at least) an exotic location and having female detectives. This last fact is fully exploited in the stories since the proprietrix uses her intuition and empathy to get to the bottom of most cases rather than relying only on a hard headed reliance on facts - a la the more masculine Sherlock Holmes.

An independent woman not needing men is the basic theme here. The actresses convey their roles well and, as the series progresses, we come to know them and to realize that they are usually right - even when they are stretching things too far ethically.

After the first few episodes, the too prefect diction in which Tswanas appear to speak English and the Runyonesque lack of contractions begins to grate on ones nerves - despite their use for comic effect.

The other problem with the series is that because it is a male creation, the condescending author's Western male view of women is always lurking under the surface. This leads to a greater focus on cases that reflect so called women's issues; there being little serious crime here. A related issue is one of a warm, vibrant culture - with little crime - lending itself to being a foreigner's investigation of a foreign (to the author) way of life - favorably compared to the crime ridden West. This is not so much about Botswana but more about a White man's fascination for it - albeit written with wit and insight.

My husband and I really enjoyed this. Fun, well acted and showing the full flavour of a wonderful country. Watch it.