The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (HBO)
common sense media says
Exceptional series based on loved books is great for teens.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series based on the popular book series by Alexander McCall Smith is much milder than most HBO fare. Although it touches on mature themes like women's movement away from "traditional" working roles, the repercussions of disease in African populations, domestic abuse, and crime, the overall tone is light and often humorous, and there's little strong language, drinking, or violence. That said, there are a few tense moments, and the main character sometimes makes questionable decisions that could have dire real-life consequences (for example, inviting a strange man home so she can prove his infidelity).
Positive role models:
Precious is a charming, self-confident, highly moralistic woman who's undaunted by the task of blazing a new trail and taking on challenges. That said, she also sometimes goes to questionable lengths to solve her mysteries, including inviting a strange man home to set him up to get evidence of his infidelity and tracking down a missing boy despite the abductor's threats against her and her friends. She also often misrepresents herself to gather information for cases. One male character is portrayed as obviously gay, though references to his sexuality are limited to a woman's comment that "That man is very much like a woman."
Violence:
Not much is shown, but there's mention of past domestic abuse (Precious lost a baby after her ex-husband beat her), and a boy is abducted and held captive by a group that threatens bodily harm to anyone interfering in the matter. Some episodes involve things like attempted poisonings and investigation of past murders. A few threatening animals.
Sex:
Some mild flirting throughout, and lots of talk about relationships between men and women. One scene in an early episode features heavy sexual innuendo when a man picks up a woman in a bar and she invites him home, where they share a passionate (albeit brief) kiss.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
A few brief instances of adults drinking in social situations.
More on The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
earthgurl
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Great family show!
I love this! The cases are very interesting. My mom read the books and she likes them too!
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willbarchi
adult
adult
Love it!
I have been an avid follower of this series since I saw the feature length episode in 2008 and I can honestly say that it is one of the most entertaining, original shows I've ever seen. The storylines are always light and humourous, but some of them have a slightly dark edge. I'm surprised the review didn't pick up on some of the more violent aspects of the show.
For example, the detective agency investigates the dissapearance of a man during a religious ceremony. The guy's wife thinks that he has been cheating on her and run off with the mistress but that is nowhere close! I won't spoil it, but let's just say it involves a rather fearsome reptile...
Anyway, this show is good, entertaining fun for 14+. The mysteries are clever and keep you hooked and you'll fall in love with the characters instantly. Enjoy!
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leatherwood
educator and parent of 14 and 18 year old
educator and parent of 14 and 18 year old
Kindness and caring
Our family loved this brilliant series! It shows real life at a pace we are no longer used to. Also shows how big a difference small things can make to others. It's all about kindness and caring.
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