After watching Episode 1 of the streaming British dramedy Ludwig, my stomach hurt. Why? I was laughing hard. The cozy mystery was delightful fun. Our puzzle-genius star can’t drive worth beans—or park. This hilarious characterization is only a bit of the fun this six-part show offers viewers.
Comedian David Mitchell stars as John “Ludwig” Taylor, a hermit puzzler, whose twin brother, DCI James Taylor, has gone missing. His sister-in-law’s distress pulls him into the puzzle of a lifetime: enter the Cambridge Police Authority as his identical twin brother.
He tries hard after his sister-in-law Lucy Batts-Taylor (Anna Maxwell Martin) coaches him on who’s who. But he fumbles too. He asks his partner if he can require suspects to remain for questioning. And his tell-tale pens in the chest pocket garner more than one comment.
Puzzles aren’t limited to the late pages of one’s newspaper. No, puzzles abound—even on the set itself. (Study the cubicle walls at the station.) Other puzzles are the ongoing murder cases that John is thrust into and the complicated cipher left by his brother.
But the man is a genius puzzler, and he might just solve the big question. Will he?
The title comes from James’ non-de-plume, “Ludwig.” Whisps of Beethoven’s scores flutter through scenes—scenes made utterly beautiful with Cambridge providing the setting.
The award-winning comedian David Mitchell is known for being half of the Mitchell and Webb British comedy duo. He acts in everything from voice projects to stage and wrote the well-received British history, Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens (2023). Co-protagonist Martin has been a busy actress since 2001 and is recognizable from such period favorites as Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South and P.D. James’ Death Comes to Pemberly.
Director Robert McKillop is known for Guilt and Clique, while director Jill Robertson’s projects include The Last Tango in Halifax and Dalgliesh. Writer Mark Brotherhood has written episodes for Death in Paradise and Mount Pleasant.
The comedy is fresh enough to be gathering nominations and awards, including Broadcast Awards for best comedy. In October, a second series was slated. The show doesn’t use profanity and contains mild violence. (BritBox)
About the Author
Cynthia Beach authored the 2024 novel, The Surface of Water, and the writing book, Creative Juices for Writers. She co-directs Scriptoria Workshop with Newbery-winner Gary Schmidt. In 2025-6, she will serve as Artist in Residence in Dundee, Scotland.