‘Scarpetta’ finally brings the medical examiner and a slew of details to the screen

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Medical examiners are a common fixture in crime dramas – the professionals who perform autopsies, examining bodies to determine cause of death. They meticulously analyze everything from what a person last ate to any injuries, like gunshot wounds or signs of physical assault. Often, these characters are portrayed as more colorful and sarcastic than the detectives they assist, and they might even find those detectives a bit frustrating.

Medical examiners are often beloved characters, like Dr. Ducky Mallard from “NCIS,” Dr. Lanie Parish from “Castle,” and Dr. Fleur Perkins from “Midsomer Murders.” Sometimes, though, these characters do more than just examine bodies – they actively investigate crimes, becoming full-fledged detectives. Think of characters like Dr. Maura Isles, Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh, and the original, Quincy, who often solved cases even though it wasn’t technically part of their job.

The new Prime Video series “Scarpetta,” debuting Wednesday, is based on the popular novels by Patricia Cornwell. Though she’s written many books since 1990, this is the first time her character, Kay Scarpetta, is being adapted for television. Nicole Kidman stars as Kay, who has returned to her position as chief medical officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia after being forced out years ago. The show unfolds across two timelines: the present day and 28 years in the past, when Kay investigated a pivotal serial murder case that defined her career. A new series of murders is now casting doubt on the original investigation’s conclusion.

Benton Wesley (Simon Baker, known from “The Mentalist”) is returning to the FBI as a profiler. Originally from Virginia, he has a distinct Southern accent and a comfortable lifestyle, complete with a large estate. Currently, his sister-in-law, Dorothy (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her husband, Pete Marino (Bobby Cannavale), a retired police detective who previously worked with Kay on a major case, are staying with him while their own home is being renovated.

Living on the estate in a small cabin is Dorothy’s daughter, Lucy (Ariana DeBose), a talented computer expert – a necessity for any modern detective story. She and Pete are planning to start their own detective agency. Lucy was largely raised by the reliable Kay, as Dorothy often pursued a more adventurous lifestyle. Lucy’s late wife, Janet (Janet Montgomery), exists as a remarkably advanced AI program, fully aware and independent, and experiences the world through a computer screen. With the exception of the unique form Janet takes now, all these characters have appeared in the original novels.

The show focuses heavily on the complex relationships between all the characters – Kay and Dorothy, Dorothy and Pete, and so on – more than on the mystery of the murders. They argue over everything, even silly things like song lyrics and who’s the odd one out, and grapple with issues like differences in wealth. Meanwhile, Lucy is seen visiting Janet’s gravesite, highlighting the emotional weight of their connections.

What Kay and Benton did for the past few decades remains a bit of a mystery; they’ve simply been living in Boston, possibly finding more contentment there. Lucy quickly became wealthy as a young teenager, likely thanks to her skill with computers. Dorothy unexpectedly became a highly successful children’s book author – a surprising feat given her restless nature. After several marriages, she’s currently happily with Pete, who she supports financially. However, that arrangement will shift when Kay appoints him as her close assistant – she’s looking for someone trustworthy amidst what she describes as a treacherous work environment.

Kay accurately points out there’s a lot going on in this series, and she’s right! The show juggles an old case with a new one, and the investigations of Kay and Benton often overlap, creating a chaotic and complex plot. It’s filled with everything from a strange grief cult and cutting-edge technology like 3D-printed organs, to a fallen space station, office politics, and even murder. Though developed by Liz Sarnoff – a writer with a strong background in shows like “Alcatraz,” “Barry,” “Lost,” and “Deadwood” – it doesn’t quite deliver the lighthearted fun its many elements suggest, as the story is handled with a surprisingly serious tone, despite being utterly bizarre.

Nicole Kidman uses simple props – glasses to suggest she’s a doctor, and cigarettes to hint at her internal struggles – because her character doesn’t outwardly express much emotion. The contrast between her smooth, almost flawless face and Bobby Cannavale’s weathered features is striking, making them seem worlds apart. Kidman’s performance feels distant, which could be intentional, a deliberate choice to portray her character. Like Curtis’s intensely energetic Dorothy, this could stem from the shared childhood trauma of their father’s murder, if we try to analyze it that way.

The three siblings are meant to be first-generation Italian Americans, but only Dorothy occasionally speaks Italian. Their brother, Pete, fully embodies that heritage, always looking a bit rough around the edges. He also represents old-fashioned, problematic views on women and sex, though he does mature over the 27 years the show covers. Bobby Cannavale, who plays Pete, is the standout performer, providing a solid anchor for both Nicole Kidman and Jamie Curtis’ characters, and feeling like a genuinely realistic person. Rosy McEwen, as young Kay, is also excellent and could easily carry her own show.

The story leaves a few questions unanswered, which may or may not be resolved in the next season, and ends on a suspenseful note that sets up a continuation.

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2026-03-11 02:31