Connect with us
Year of the Rabbit Series Premiere Review

Television

Year of the Rabbit Series Premiere Review

An unlikely trio solve crime in Victorian London

Detective Inspector Eli Rabbit (Matt Berry) is using his persuasive interrogation skills to get a perp to start talking about a missing girl. His intimidating one-two punch of roughhousing and yelling is effective in breaking the suspect. So ends Rabbit’s demonstration in front of school children on what police do in Victorian London. The kids are obviously impressed but that might have to partially do with the actor playing the criminal being their teacher. The opening sequence helps set the stage for the rest of episode as there was more violence, profanity, police work and comedy to follow.

[SLIGHT SPOILERS FOR 1.1 AHEAD!]

Because of the school incident, Detective Sergeant Wilbur Strauss (Freddie Fox), is assigned as Rabbit’s partner to learn the ropes and to keep the rebellious inspector in line. He comes with many accolades including the top of his class (he happened to be the bottom of his class too since he was the only student). To round out the team is Mabel Wisbech (Susan Wokoma), who aspires to be the first female police officer and who happens to be the boss’ adopted daughter.

Together, the three set out to solve the murder of a woman found in the river. While Mabel takes a more academic approach researching in the library, Rabbit relies on his instincts and hunches to get to the bottom of the case. His search takes him and his partner into the seedy underbelly of London as we’re introduced to a colorful cast of characters including Rabbit’s informant, the proprietor of his regular pub and his arch nemesis, Detective Inspector Tanner.

On paper, the three leads come off formulaic. There’s a jaded, drunken veteran who has a nose for police work, a green, by the books but socially awkward officer, and a smart, strong woman who’s trying to take down the patriarchy by going against society norms. However, the actors’ portrayal makes them stand out and endear themselves to the viewers.

Year of the Rabbit Series Premiere Review

Barry’s Inspector Rabbit may not be too different from his previous roles; think What We Do in the Shadows and The IT Crowd. But he plays those characters so well. He can pull off shrewd detective, arrogant prick and bumbling idiot when the time calls for it. Fox’s Strauss plays a nice foil to Rabbit but you can already see a bit of his partner rubbing off on him. Wokoma can hold her own and be as foul mouthed with the rest of them. I wish she was featured more this episode since it’s supposed to be a team of three.

Overall, the writing is great with some fun callbacks. I don’t know whether the slang and jargon are British or Victorian, but either way they’re hilarious. Even the period piece gags are amusing from the burlesque show, to the telephones, to Rabbit’s arsenal. Barry’s performance, specifically, stands out with great moments where he is mistaken for a criminal and rides a bike.

Outside of the comedy, the storyline, itself, is interesting. It seems the show will follow a case of the week format but they will be all tied with an overarching narrative. It’s alluded that there is a secret society influencing the criminal activity in London and part of the weekly adventure will be unraveling that mystery.

The series premiere of The Year of the Rabbit is a funny, expletive filled episode with great leads and great jokes. Like any good pilot, it builds intrigue for the rest of the season as the trio navigate London’s underworld.

Year of the Rabbit Series Premiere Review
Year of the Rabbit Series Premiere
Is it good?
Funny with great jokes, gags, and dialog
Matt Berry stands out with his comedic performance
More Susan Wokama, please.
8.5

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup