Synopsis:
Detective Inspector Rabbit, a dedicated, tough, thick and oft inebriated Victorian copper, sleuths his way across London with his two young partners, a doofy rookie, and a brilliant black policewoman no one ever believes.
Rabbit and his now two partners, Strauss and Mabel approach a rowdy crowd listening to Neil Fromage shouting his extreme views. Rabbit, a Detective Inspector points out that there are three separate groups within the crowd. There are supporters, protestors, anti-protest protestors, and then a quiet group of people that are, “…lapping up everything this tit says. If anyone is going to kick-off, it’ll be them.” says Rabbit. Just as Fromage is reaching the climax of his soapbox soliloquy, a stream of crimson runs down his forehead as he repeatedly says, “blood” with a look of shock on his face. He removes his top hat which then exposes light shining through a hole in his head. Fromage has just been shot and the crowd runs in terror.
If you’re looking for a wild ride filled with crime, mystery, conspiracy, coarse language, and British wit then look no further. Year of the Rabbit, a 6 episode miniseries, while it’s set in Victorian London, much of its content is rather contemporary. When a period piece is able to convey ideas and themes that are relevant to our current everyday lives, it can put some things in perspective and expose how ridiculous some things have become. While also showing us how far removed we are from outdated ideologies or how close we are to repeating them. Apart from this, it’s a rib-tickling and vulgar good time. Every episode starts with excitement putting us right in the middle of a case or situation that our protagonist has found himself in. It’s fast-paced comedically sharp-tongued narrative coupled with its twists and turns is alluring and laugh out loud funny. From its pilot to the final episode of the season, Year of the Rabbit keeps its foot on the gas and wins the race. Never taking itself too seriously, it’s the kind of break from reality cop show we need. Filled with a wide range of characters and villains and an over the top transition music, it’s hard not to be entertained. Along with its running gags, hilarious banter, and fun storyline, it’s a show you don’t want to miss. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of Year of the Rabbit. It’s rewatchability is very high.
Plot & Pace
The show follows its titular character, Rabbit a Detective Inspector for London’s police force. A veteran with a checkered past, Rabbit is viewed as a drunkard by many as well an unruly copper. As he makes enemies at every turn, he must watch his back as many people are not who they seem and very few can be trusted. Some he has wronged may even conspire to end not only his career but his life.
Rabbit is reluctantly assigned a partner named Strauss that is fresh out of college and is naive to the world around him. Not only does he have to solve crimes but now he has to babysit.
The Chief Inspector has an adopted daughter named Mabel. Mabel, a black woman has aspirations of becoming London’s first female copper or “fopper” and is very adamant about it. Interjecting herself into as many cases as she can, she becomes an invaluable asset to Rabbit even if he’d rather work alone.
Becoming an unlikely unstoppable team, the trio now has a target on its back from an unknown foe that has eyes everywhere. The show’s pace is very fast. As soon as an episode begins there is some sort of action catching your attention right away. The pacing helps keep the show interesting as they never linger on anything for too long.
Characters & Chemistry
The chemistry in this show is amazing. The witty back and forth between its characters alone make it entertaining. Rabbit (Matt Berry), the mono-browed copper is vulgar and quick-witted and will solve his cases by any means necessary. Even if that means walking through human waste. Strauss (Freddie Fox) is eager to learn and is easily won over by women who show him attention. Mabel (Susan Wokoma) is a woman trying to break into the boys club. She’s unapologetically herself at all times which comes off as not very “ladylike” in a society with strict gender roles. One of my favorite characters is Joseph Merrick aka The Elephant (David Dawson). He pops up in most of the episodes if only for a scene, but it’s always comical. The entire cast did a bang-up job.
Year of the Rabbit premieres today on Topic. Enjoy and stay safe.
Topic is the new streaming service from First Look Media, curated for a curious and engaged audience seeking smart, provocative and meaningful entertainment. Topic features North American premieres and programming from around the world, complemented by a diverse slate of originals including scripted comedies and dramas, talk shows, documentaries, features and more. Topic is available to US and Canadian audiences on topic.com, AppleTV & iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and Amazon Prime Video Channels.
Director: Ben Taylor
Writers: Kevin Cecil, Andy Riley
Runtime: 6, 30-minute episodes
Rating: 5 out of 5
Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more!
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
