Ludwig

 

Ludwig

I would not have been attracted to this if David Mitchell hadn't been the lead. I really like his as a comedian and enjoyed him in Upstart Crow despite the limitations of that show, so I was keen to see him in a slightly less comedic role. In Ludwig, he plays the title character, a recluse and obsessive man who makes a living producing all sorts of puzzles. He's famous as Ludwig and never leaves home as John Taylor. Until his twin brother James, a police detective inspector, disappears, and James' wife, who is also John's childhood friend Lucy, calls him for help. In order to figure out what might have happened to James, John impersonates him and gets roped into solving puzzling murders, something he gets really good at. There's quite a bit of Monk in Ludwig except there's an overall story arc, and the character is a lot more believable, especially because he is (very) aware of his own failings. There's still a fair bit of suspension of disbelief needed to enjoy Ludwig, but me and the wife very much did, and we're pleased a second season is announced.