I was first introduced to this series when my screenwriting lecturer at university held a pilot watching showing on campus. It was compulsory for every student. We would watch a bunch of new pilots that came out that year and discuss and learn from them before we would spend the next two terms writing and planning out our series. It was a great way of watching things we had never heard of, things we would never watch because we didn't like the concept or genre, and exploring how different each pilot was.
Recipes for Love and Murder, a South African television series set in the Karoo, boasts a delicious blend of culinary visuals and charming crime-solving intrigue. Based on Sally Andrew’s best-selling novel Recipes for Love and Murder: A Tannie Maria Mystery, another book adaptation guysss. I should read more Southern African literature when I’m done writing this article.
Note: “Tannie” is an Afrikaans word meaning “Auntie”, it is usually used as a term of respect for older women.
The protagonist of this show is Tannie Maria, played by Maria Doyle Kennedy, a middle-aged, Scottish (that's important later) widow. She works for the local newspaper as a recipe columnist, but she is almost let go from her job to make room for an advice column. Tannie Maria offers to become the writer for this new column, sneakily sneaking in recipes that relate to the advice she gives to her readers. In the pilot episode, Tannie Maria offers some relationship advice and cooking tips to an abused housewife, but later she finds out the housewife was killed mysteriously. Was it her abusive husband or her jealous lesbian lover? Tannie Maria intends to find out.
Each episode is structured around a murder mystery, with Tannie Maria's investigative prowess intertwined with her recipes, which serve as metaphors and plot devices. The pacing of each episode is methodical, allowing the audience to explore the developing character arcs of the main cast and explore the Karoo’s scenic beauty.
You know, it's odd to say this but Recipes for Love and Murder reminds me of the culinary scenes and crime mystery of the TV show Hannibal.
Fuller, Bryan. "Hannibal cooks a meal ." April 4, 2013.
Jeynes, Karen & Griffin, Annie. "Tannie Maria bakes ." 20 March 2022.
Except Tannie Maria isn’t a creepy psychologist that eats people, all this poor lady wants to do is help. The cooking themes of the show tie into an integral part of the story, cooking up common South African food, it shows a level of comfort and homeliness it brings a level of comfort and familiarity by showcasing dishes that the audience has probably made in the past week. Look at the visual difference between these cooking scenes, Hannibal’s cold, clinical and often ostentatious meals, where as this series offers recipes that bring a sense of nostalgia. You know, when I was first planning of writing this article I did not expect to keep talking about the differences between this and fucking Hannibal.
Visually, Recipes for Love and Murder is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography captures the stunning landscapes of the Karoo, with its vast open spaces and unique flora. Recipes for Love and Murder is more than just a crime drama; it is a reflection of South African society, offering insights into the country's diverse culture and history. The series touches on themes of community, healing, and empowerment, particularly through Tannie Maria's character. Her journey from a grieving widow to a confident sleuth symbolises personal growth and the transformative power of food and connection.
This show also addresses many social injustices prevalent in South Africa, such as domestic abuse, a key plot point in the overall theme of the series. Now the reason why Tannie Maria’s Scottish heritage is important: it is heavily implied that Tannie Maria has suffered from some kind of domestic abuse and that’s why she moved to South Africa. She is shown to be against having her full name on the newspaper’s website, and we see that certain people in Scotland are looking for her.
It’s important to know that in the original books, Tannie Maria isn’t Scottish, so this is a conscious choice that the showrunners and creators added to the story. I am fully on board with this as a change because it gave us Maria Doyle Kennedy. As far as I can tell it didn’t change much aside that she has a foreign accent and shes hiding from her family, but they explained that Tannie Maria would visit South Africa annually as a child. With this explaination we understand that she is not alienated by the culture, she isnt a complete “fish out of water” the Karoo was like a second home to her.
Although this show does highlight certain tragic realities about South Africa, it is important to note that the way they dealt with it is with a message of hope and justice, it’s easy to slip into a sad tragic story but the creators intended for this series to have an uplifting message in the end.
Okay, here is something I feel like I need to bring up. There is so much good queer representation in this show. It's just, chef’s kiss. This is so wild to me because being queer in South Africa is still stigmatised, it’s not criminalised but there are still huge societal and cultural challenges ingrained into South African families (“OPINION | Being Young and Queer in South Africa”). The fact that this show comfortably and frequently shows a bunch of queer characters and that they are NOT demonised is fantastic. There is a gay ostrich farmer who asks Tannie Maria for help telling his crush how he feels, so she writes a recipe for a “sex cake”.
Jeynes, Karen & Griffin, Annie. "The sex cake ." 27 March 2022.
The episode is called “Sex Cake”. I mean come on, it's brilliant.
The series also excels in its portrayal of female empowerment. Tannie Maria, along with her colleagues at the newspaper, represent different aspects of womanhood, each with their struggles and strengths. The show’s focus on female friendships and solidarity is a refreshing departure from the often male-dominated crime genre.
Conclusion
Recipes for Love and Murder is a standout series that combines the warmth of a culinary show with the intrigue of a murder mystery. Its exploration of South African culture, coupled with its strong thematic focus on community, healing, and female empowerment, makes it a significant addition to the global TV landscape. The series not only entertains but also offers a window into the complexities of South African life, all while serving up a hearty dose of culinary delight.
Whether you are a fan of crime dramas or simply enjoy a good meal, Recipes for Love and Murder is a series that satisfies on multiple levels, leaving viewers both sated and eager for more.
List of Sources
“OPINION | Being Young and Queer in South Africa.” University of Fort Hare, 2023, www.ufh.ac.za/news/News/OPINIONBeingyoungandqueerSouthAfrica. Accessed 10 Aug. 2024.
Recipes for Love and Murder, season 1 written by Karen Jeynes & Annie Griffin, Acorn TV, 20 March 2022.
Hannibal, season 1 written by Bryan Fuller, NBC, April 4, 2013 – August 29, 2015.
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