Murder in Suburbia

Murder in Suburbia
Starring Caroline Catz
Lisa Faulkner
Jeremy Sheffield
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of series 2
No. of episodes 12
Production
Location(s) Northwood, London
Running time 50 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel ITV
Picture format 576i (SDTV)
Original run 13 March 2004 –
2 July 2005

Murder in Suburbia was a British detective drama, shown on the ITV network, that ran for two series in 2004 and 2005, starring Caroline Catz, Lisa Faulkner and Jeremy Sheffield. The series focused on various murders in the fictional suburban English town of Middleford; filming took place in North West London, including Northwood. The crimes are solved by two female police detectives, DI Kate Ashurst and DS Emma Scribbins, aka "Ash and Scribbs" (which concurrently was what the series was titled in Japan). The first and second series have both been released on DVD worldwide.

Characters

Actor Character Rank Position Assignment Series
1 2
Caroline Catz Kate "Ash" Ashurst Detective Inspector (D.I.) Senior Investigating Officer Murder Investigation Team Main
Lisa Faulkner Emma "Scribbs" Scribbins Detective Sergeant (D.S.) Investigating Officer Murder Investigation Team Main
Jeremy Sheffield Sullivan Detective Chief Inspector (D.C.I.) Supervising Officer Murder Investigation Team Main
Stuart Nurse Weatherhall Chief Medical Examiner Forensics Also Starring
Glen Davies Gallimore Police Constable (P.C.) Investigating Officer Patrol Also Starring

Episode list

Series 1 (2004)

# Title Director Writer Guest starring Airdate
1"Applejacks"Edward BennettNick CollinsDanny Webb13 March 2004
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of party girl Nikki Pengelly, who is found stabbed to death by her ex-husband. When it is discovered that she was regular entertainment at a private gentleman's club, motives begin to come to light.
2"Stag Night"Edward BennettMichael AitkensJonathan Slinger and Philip Jackson20 March 2004
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of Charlie Egan, who was found dead in a swimming pool on his stag night. Having been found handcuffed with his hand's behind his back, his fiancé's father, the local mayor, soon becomes prime suspect.
3"Millionaire's Row"David Innes EdwardsNick CollinsRebecca Lacey, Jo-Anne Knowles, Lysette Anthony, Lee Williams and Alex Avery27 March 2004
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of Gideon Finch, who was found burnt to death in his car. Having reportedly been having an affair with his neighbor, it soon transpires that his wife was having an affair with his brother, who has no alibi.
4"Sanctuary"David Innes EdwardsJohn Flanagan, Andy McCullochMark Powley, Sue Holderness, Philip Martin Brown, Tim Bentinck and Caroline Harker3 April 2004
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the stabbing of respectable charity shop worker Lyn Chichester, who was working for a charity who raised money for animal sanctuaries in Africa. But tracing the money to its rightful owners proves slightly tricky.
5"A Good Deal of Attention"Douglas MacKinnonMichael AitkensGwyneth Strong, Beth Goddard, James Fleet, Russell Boulter and Clive Wedderburn10 April 2004
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of Helen McKee, who was the victim of a hit and run incident. A popular member of staff at a local comprehensive school, it is soon discovered she was having an affair with parents of potential new students.
6"Noisy Neighbours"Douglas MacKinnonNick CollinsRichard Hope, Phyllis Logan, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Edward Woodward17 April 2004
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of Bernard Lloyd, who has been bashed to death with a hammer. Having a reputation for being a noisy neighbor soon proves to be the key to the motive for murder, with house sale issues top of the list.

Series 2 (2005)

# Title Director Writer Guest actors UK airdate
1"Witches"Jonathan Fox BassettNick CollinsDermot Crowley, Clare Higgins and Edward MacLiam28 May 2005
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of a teenager who is found stabbed to death in a graveyard. The case soon turns out to more than unusual as it appears the motive may be linked to witchcraft. Meanwhile, with Sullivan on holiday, Ash and Scribbs are forced to deal with a new boss - DCI Whittle - who's pedantic and couldn't care less attitudes begin to get on their nerves.
2"Estate Agent"Roger GoldbyEmma FrostMichelle Gomez, Ewen MacIntosh and Duncan Preston4 June 2005
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate when a well-hated estate agent Phil Jakes is found beaten to death in his office. A board which was initially believed to list Jakes' clients turns out to be a list of the women he has slept with, which soon unravels a possible motive for murder. However, in a massive twist in the case, someone who is believed to be long dead turns up - very much alive.
3"The Wedding"Roger GoldbyNick CollinsLynda Bellingham, Felicity Dean and Henry Goodman11 June 2005
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate when the father of the bride is electrocuted in a pond during the reception party. A scattered crime scene and very few corresponding statements prove troublesome, but a marriage certificate found in the records archive soon throws up an unexpected motive. Meanwhile, Sullivan has his eye on a pretty blonde - and her top-of-the-range sports car.
4"Salsa"Jonathan Fox BassettScott CherryJohn Biggins, Stella Gonet and Lynsey Baxter18 June 2005
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate when Salsa student Sandra Foy falls to her death from the balcony of her expensive suburban home. Having recently stolen the dance partner of a very trained member of the dance class, it appears Sandra was much hated amongst her peers. However, CCTV footage uncovers a shocking revelation which threatens to blow the whole case wide open.
5"Dogs"Roger GoldbyPaul WaiteNeil Stuke, William Armstrong, Ralph Ineson and Debbie Chazen25 June 2005
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate when popular dog lover and volunteer walker Christine Archer is killed in the woods where she is walking several dogs. It is soon discovered that Christine was giving evidence is a case of cruelty towards animals, a fact which Ash is sure forms the motive for murder. However, a picture taken at the scene by Christine begins to suggest otherwise.
6"Golden Oldies"Robert BiermanScott CherryMichele Dotrice, Michael Jayston and Olivia Colman2 July 2005
Ashurst and Scribbins investigate when a singer who had a string of hits in the fifties is found dead after being drowned in the bath at a residential home. JJ had many enemies but also many friends, but it soon becomes difficult to work out who is on what side. Meanwhile, Ash must face teasing from the team about the fact that she and Sullivan locked lips for an investigation.

External links