Tell-Tale TV Panel: Mary Kills People Season 1

Lifetime’s newest scripted drama didn’t hold anything back.

See what our panel of writers thought of Mary Kills People Season 1, and be sure to join the discussion by responding in the comments below!

Our panelists are:

• Erin Allen, staff writer for Tell-Tale TV
• Jasmine Peterson from TV Fanatic
• Heather M. from TV Goodness

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the season overall?

Jasmine: 8.5. I’m amazed at just how much they were able to fit into, what was it, six episodes? Mary had some of the strongest character development I’ve seen and all in such a short period. The connection between Mary and Ben was intriguing. I loved most of the characters and it wasn’t nearly as morbid as I thought it would be.

Heather: First seasons are tricky because they’re often unmatched later on (or maybe that’s just me, but I love A LOT of first seasons). Coming out of the gate and establishing the balance of tone between humor and drama was spot on, and it continued through the very tight, short six episodes.

The finale shifting gears into a caper that we weren’t looped out on was surprising, but I was OK with it. I felt like the big questions were asked and answered. I’d give it a 9.

Erin: 8. I also couldn’t believe how much they fit into this short season, and it never felt rushed or cluttered. I am impressed with how strong this first season was, and how much development we got out of some of the characters.  

What was this season’s biggest problem?

Jasmine: I could not bring myself to feel concerned about Mary being caught because Ben and Frank’s case was a nightmare and their investigative tactics  made me cringe. There were so many issues with the entire investigation; Ben sleeping with Mary, the entrapment, the harassment, going through with the wire despite Des visibly being high. They had a flimsy case at best. It interfered with the high stakes.

They also could have cut out most of the stuff with Jess and Naomi. Naomi was such an insufferable, bratty character.

Heather: I wasn’t as invested in Jess’s story, although I get that it was plotty to have it intersect when she and Naomi found the Pento and because Naomi’s Mom is dating Mary’s ex-husband/Jess’s Dad. That said, we didn’t spend any time on Cambie when she wasn’t in a scene with the larger family, so I’d like to see more balance if we’re going to focus on the family.

I thought some of the police antagonism was a bit heavy-handed. Why was Frank so hell-bent and angry and why did Ben just fall in line despite beginning to see the other side of the situation?

Erin: Ben and Frank. There were no redeeming qualities to Frank. He has questionable, and probably illegal, investigating methods. His character just really bothered me. I liked Ben in the beginning, but then I lost all interest.

He, also, was shady with his policing procedures. Towards the end, I couldn’t tell what he thought about assisted suicide, or even if he was struggling with his opinion on the matter. He just became dull, and I wanted more for Mary.

I actually really enjoyed Jess’ storyline. And, I agree with Heather, I’d like more of Cambie.  

What worked really well this season?

Jasmine: Everything else. I love that there was no clear answer to whether or not Mary was right or even a good person for doing what she does. I loved Des, how damaged he is, and his relationship with Mary. I actually enjoyed Grady as an antagonist. Also, Mary and her sister were great.

Heather: Mary and Des’s relationship was the strong point for me–they were believable as two long-time friends who had the capability to completely disassemble each other, and did, but came back together because they were family. The tone of the client scenes was perfect, and required a very delicate balance of the love and mercy they were representing. Greg Bryk as an elusively dashifying villain was also a treat.

Erin: I concur. Mary and Des. I loved their relationship. I was really invested, so when Des took the deal, I was crushed. That scene where he revealed the wire was so full of emotion.

I loved the two of them together, but also individually. Both of them are really strong characters that had a lot of development in just six episodes. Caroline Dhavernas always impresses me in her roles, and that remains true with her role as Mary Harris. Richard Short as Des brought a perfectly balanced humor to this show about death and dying. His character had a lot of depth, too, so he wasn’t just the comic relief.    

What was the biggest surprise of the season?

Jasmine: I was truly surprised that Des turned on Mary so quickly and easily. I get that they had a bit of a falling out, and that his addiction may cloud his judgment, but I got the impression they were so much closer.

It didn’t feel right that he caved so quickly. I knew it wouldn’t stick, and I loved the scene when he revealed the wire before she incriminated herself, but his betrayal surprised me and kind of felt forced.

Heather: The structure of the season finale as a sting that we weren’t included on until the final act surprised me. We could of course surmise that the whole thing was a setup to throw the police onto Grady, but we didn’t know until it was actually unfolding in front of us. I was surprised Casper made it safely across town. I was surprised when Louise walked into Des’s interrogation and suddenly all of the plots were folding in on each other.

Erin: I really liked how Mary framed Grady. I knew she had a plan, but I didn’t know how she would do it. I couldn’t believe she let Grady drug her. I thought it was a great finale twist, full of suspense.

What are your hopes for next season, should the show be renewed?

Jasmine: I would love to delve deeper into the characters. We learned more than I anticipated about Mary, but we’re still only scratching the surface. I thoroughly enjoyed the bond between Mary and Des. I would like more background on their relationship, how they begin working together and on Des. I also want to see this new Death Team with Mary, Des, Annie, and Nicole.

Heather: I’m very curious about what will happen now that we know Louise is investigating things. I loved how complex her reaction was–a mix of grief and sorrow about what she was seeing and not anger, which is telling. Although I did miss who she was investigating for since I thought everything was resolved for the Judge. Is that still for Des’s case?

I’d love to see what happens when/if Nicole comes on board and/or Des gets his magical euthanasia retreat. Nicole + Annie + Des is A LOT of snark with a side of compassion, and will certainly keep Mary on her toes. I’d like to spend more equal time on Mary’s daughters, who will now have questions of their own with Casper’s sudden return.

I don’t necessarily want or think we need a Big Bad again, but I did love Greg Bryk, so I’ll hold judgment on that until we see who that character might be and who might play him/her. Or will that be Louise? Hmmm.   

Erin: I would like to see more of all the characters, except Ben and Frank. It’s okay if they just go away, right?

I hope that Mary and Des don’t become a will they/won’t they situation.

And Nicole would be a fun addition to the Death Squad, but if not, I would still like to see more of her character. I think a Nicole/Des scene would be fantastic.    

What did you think of Mary Kills People Season 1? Share your thoughts in a comment below! You can also check out all of our other season review panels right here. There are more to come!

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

15 TV Shows That Continued Without Their Leads