This episode did a great job showing why reunions are not always such a great idea. Okay, so I’m just kidding. Kind of. But this reunion was definitely a bad idea since it resulted in murder. And that was before the big dance even took place. Though the victim was involved with some pretty dangerous people, so it probably had less to do with the reunion and more to do with that. Or did it? Because, as usual, this show did a great job keeping me guessing and second-guessing myself until just about the very end. So keep reading for my Murder in a Small Town 1×02 review!
Reunions are Deadly
I’ve always said reunions are a bad idea. Though I have never meant it because of the concern of someone being murdered. But if you had asked me who was going to be the victim of this episode, I definitely would have said Bobby. I feel like that guy had a list of enemies a mile long. And Ivan was way too obvious of a suspect to have done it. I also think Sam was an obvious choice. Not that it makes it impossible for one or both of them to have been involved. I just feel like this show doesn’t always go with the obvious answer. And I also didn’t think the killer was Kayla. Bobby was clearly involved with some dangerous people, but even that seemed like an obvious answer. He was just killed by people he was involved in illicit activities with? Nah, too easy.
Or maybe it really is that easy. Maybe things really sometimes are just as they appear. And I love that this show acknowledges that. It isn’t always some big and wild conspiracy. Sometimes it really is exactly what is right in front of you. And the clues really do lead right to the answer. In this case, the clues led right to Sam. But not only was he majorly involved in dealing drugs and responsible for killing Bobby, he was also willing to kill his own brother. I don’t think it gets much worse than that. Poor Ivan had a rough couple of days. Between his wife cheating on him, followed by being the primary suspect in the murder of the man she cheated with, to then almost being killed by his own brother. Dude needed a break. Luckily, Karl got there in time to save his ass.
Someone You Can Rely On
Have I mentioned how much I love Karl? Because I absolutely love this character. He is so steady and has made it clear he is extremely reliable. On top of being an incredible detective. He also seems to be a pretty great leader. Everyone within the department clearly respects him. Which is awesome to see and another way that this show doesn’t fall into any typical categories. Usually in a situation where a new person comes to town and gets put in charge of a department, there is plenty of animosity. Someone is mad that they didn’t get the job or feels that an “outsider” doesn’t know enough about the town and the people to be put in charge. Especially when it’s a small, rural town like this one.
Okay, Isabella may have been going to the reunion to reunite with an old crush, but I much prefer her with someone else. Because the chemistry between her and Andy is great. Plus, how sweet is he for volunteering himself to be Isabella’s wingman? I would much rather take him as her counterpart. Because he clearly proved himself to be as reliable as Karl. And that is the highest compliment that I could give. He hyped her up, encouraged her, and told her how great she looked. So I’ll sit and wait, hoping the two of them eventually become something more. Many great relationships start off with the couple being good friends, right?
Falling in Love
I can’t even with the cuteness. Cassandra and Karl are freaking adorable. I never thought I would love seeing a couple meet and get together in the first episode of a series. But I am absolutely loving it and wishing that more shows would take note. Because not only is this not taking away from any part of the show, but it is giving it so much instead. Watching the two of them get to know each other as they continue falling in love is magical. And I am completely invested in this relationship. So they better not mess it up! Don’t impress me by giving us a good thing only to take it away or ruin it. That would be a typical cliché and this show is doing a great job so far in not being that.
What did you think of Murder in a Small Town 1×02? Did you have the killer guessed early on? Or did it take you a while to figure things out? What do you think about the way the show is portraying the romance between our main characters? Do you like seeing them together from the start of the series? Or do you prefer the slow build and angst that lasts for a few seasons? Find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Threads to discuss all things Murder in a Small Town 1×02! Also be sure to check out our site for more articles, quizzes, podcasts, and more on all things Disney and beyond!