Mystery 101 “Playing Dead” #1.2 (2019) (TV)

Even better than the first,  3 August 2021

Playing Dead is the third Hallmark mystery movie I’ve watched recently.  In this one, Professor Amy Winslow (Jill Wagner) is helping the local theater group put on a play.  During rehearsal, a prop gun is seemingly replaced with the real thing.  Fortunately, no one was hit by the bullet, but the police suspect the lead actress may be in danger.  However, while under police protection, the actress dies - from an apparent heart attack.  Amy’s not so sure and joins Detective Burke’s (Kristoffer Polaha) investigation - whether he likes it or not.

If anything, I enjoyed Playing Dead a bit more than the first film in the series.  Without the need to introduce the main characters, more time was available for the actual mystery.  And that’s a good thing because the mystery here is fun.  With a seemingly random attack on Burke’s partner, a toy monkey, secret love letters, and suspects everywhere you look, there’s plenty here to unpack.  Admittedly, I once again pretty much figured out who well before the culprit was unmasked.  However, I still enjoyed learning the why and how.  Overall, good stuff.  

Once again, the acting in Playing Dead is a mixed bag.  Some good, some less so.  But there’s no denying the ability of Wagner and Polaha.  Both are great in their roles and have some wonderful onscreen chemistry.  

One thing that has bugged me about these Hallmark films is the unrealistic nonsense the amateur sleuth is able to get away with.  Here, for example, Amy is able to rummage through a house to find a key piece of evidence.  There’s absolutely no way it would have been admissible in court.  But then again, I don’t think anyone is watching a Hallmark mystery for a look inside a real life criminal investigation.  Most just want to be entertained.  

7/10