TV Review: ‘Scarpetta’

Arriving on Prime Video on March 11 with all eight episodes of its first season is ‘Scarpetta’, the adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s successful book series, starring Nicole Kidman as the forensic pathologist investigating a mysterious serial killer.

​Arriving on Prime Video on March 11 with all eight episodes of its first season is ‘Scarpetta’, the adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s successful book series, starring Nicole Kidman as the forensic pathologist investigating a mysterious serial killer.   

Arriving on Prime Video on March 11 with all eight episodes of its first season is ‘Scarpetta’, the adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s successful book series, starring Nicole Kidman as the forensic pathologist investigating a mysterious serial killer.

The cast for the show also includes Jamie Lee Curtis (‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’), Simon Baker (‘Margin Call’), Bobby Cannavale (‘The Station Agent’), Ariana DeBose (‘West Side Story’), Rosy McEwan (‘Blue Jean’), Hunter Parrish (’17 Again’) and Jacob Lumet Cannavale (‘Nurse Jackie’).

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Initial Thoughts

While so many others in the genre have seen their books adapted for screens both big and small in the past, Patricia Cornwell, a titan in the crime field, has resisted overtures to bring particularly her Kay Scarpetta book series out of the pages.

She was smart to wait for a team that includes Blumhouse, Jamie Lee Curtis and executive producer Elizabeth Sarnoff (‘Barry’), because the result is an impressive, layered take that spans two different time periods.

Script and Direction

Sarnoff, working alongside a writing team that also includes Matthew Zucker and ‘Narcos: Mexico’ veteran Iturri Sosa, has found a way to crack the Scarpetta story, successfully evolving and updating the story while maintaining what works in the books. Juggling two different storylines that connect via the characters, it’s a balancing act that comes across well.

Leading a directorial group that also features Charlotte Brändström, David Gordon Green brings a stylish sheen to a show that could have ended up looking like a bland procedural but never does. Little touches such as showing cigarette butts littered next to a young Scarpetta’s parking spot give character clues and exposition without need them rammed home.

Cast and Performances

Kidman works well as the cool, sometimes icy forensic pathologist, while still finding space for her to react to big challenges. But by far the highlight of the series is Curtis as her flamboyant, narcissistic sister Dorothy, a showcase role that lets her do her thing but still fit perfectly in with the ensemble.

And credit also to the younger cast who play the characters 30 years prior –– they’re all excellent, bringing subtle nuance to the roles.

Final Thoughts

Prime Video was clearly impressed enough with the efforts of all involved to order up two seasons initially, so those who have a good time with the first run (and a finale that teases more) will be comforted in the knowledge that another will be on the way.

‘Scarpetta’ receives 85 out of 100.

What’s the plot of ‘Scarpetta’?

Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta (Nicole Kidman) returns to Virginia and resumes her former position with complex relationships, both personal and professional – including her sister Dorothy (Jamie Lee Curtis), with plenty of grudges and secrets to uncover.

Who stars in ‘Scarpetta’?

Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay ScarpettaRosy McEwen as young KayJamie Lee Curtis as Dorothy ScarpettaAriana DeBose as Lucy Farinelli-WatsonBobby Cannavale as Pete MarinoJacob Lumet Cannavale as young Pete MarinoSimon Baker as Benton WesleyHunter Parrish as young Benton

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