One day this past week, I read somewhere that, to prepare for the role of Dr. Kay Scarpetta in the Amazon MGM show based on Patricia Cornwell’s series of books, Nicole Kidman said she learned how to remove all the organs of the human body and name them. And if that isn’t enough reason for you to watch Scarpetta, I don’t know what is. The crime series developed by Liz Sarnoff, starring Kidman in the titular role, is not only a decent murder mystery spanning decades, but it also contains a narrative revolving around family dysfunction, loss and grief, as well as the dangers of technological advancement.
Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Kay Scarpetta (Kidman), the skilled Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Virginia, is booked and busy. As a series of murders shocks the town, Dr. Scarpetta becomes determined to avenge the victims and bring the serial killer to justice, especially when she realizes that the new case may be tied to her first murder investigation from more than twenty years ago, when she was just starting her career.
What I personally like about Scarpetta is that it’s not strictly a “whodunnit” television series. While that mystery lies at the center of the show, the series also delves deep into the family dynamics of its titular character. For some viewers, this may be an additional layer that enriches the show; for others, it may feel like too much at once. What’s truly applause-worthy, however, is the ensemble cast portraying both past and present versions of the characters.
Similarly to Showtime’s Yellowjackets, Scarpetta tells its story across two timelines, allowing us to get to know the characters both before and after the events presented in season 1. Both ensembles are excellent, and I must commend the casting of Rosy McEwen as young Dr. Kay and Jake Cannavale as young Pete (though Jake’s talent isn’t surprising, given that he’s the son of Nine Perfect Strangers actor Bobby Cannavale appearing as adult Pete).
As the show progresses, we begin to see that Dr. Kay’s meticulously constructed life isn’t quite what it seems. Her husband Ben (Simon Baker), an FBI agent, appears to be hiding something from her. Her sister Dorothy (Jamie Lee Curtis), who lives with Kay, constantly gets under her skin while drinking throughout the day. Dorothy’s husband (and Kay’s coworker) Pete (Bobby Cannavale) struggles with his temper, and Kay’s niece Lucy (Ariana DeBose) is going through an incredibly difficult time following the death of her wife, Janet (Janet Montgomery).
Kidman does a great job embodying the forensic pathologist known from Cornwell’s novels. Her character is inquisitive, meticulous, and deeply committed to justice, particularly when it comes to the victims. Throughout the show, we also get to know her strained relationship with Dorothy. It becomes apparent that Curtis’ character harbors a jealous streak, even though she herself is an accomplished children’s book author. The only true soft spot in Kay’s life is her niece Lucy, whom she essentially raised for much of her childhood while Dorothy was absent.
Cannavale’s present-day Pete is also noteworthy, as is Hunter Parrish as the younger Ben. However, DeBose’s Lucy is one of the strongest elements of Scarpetta. Her storyline touches on grief and loss but also explores the potential dangers of technological advances that could become our downfall if approached without moderation. In the show, Lucy’s profession as a programmer allows her to create an AI version of her late wife Janet so she can continue speaking with her even after death. Throughout the series, the creators highlight how various family members react to this: their reactions span from complete discomfort to attempts at understanding. It’s one of the show’s most thought-provoking aspects, reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode featuring Domhnall Gleeson (Season 2, Episode 1).
The creators ensure the pacing stays tight, with each episode introducing new details or characters that add to the overarching story. The gory forensic aspects also intensify the plot, making the audience even more protective of the victims and eager to see justice served, much like the titular character herself.
The eighth and final episode of season 1 leaves viewers with a notable cliffhanger, clearly setting the story up for a potential season 2. Even so, the season still provides a sense of narrative closure and doesn’t leave the audience feeling unsatisfied.
The show also presents human greed and cruelty as they are: raw and sometimes unapologetic. As a result, there aren’t many traditionally likable characters here: only people whose past choices are beginning to catch up with them. All in all, Scarpetta is a solid thriller for fans of the books, the genre, and the classic “whodunnit” narrative.
Grade: B-
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Scarpetta
Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta returns to Virginia and resumes her former position with complex relationships, both personal and professional – including her sister Dorothy, with plenty of grudges and secrets to uncover.
