When Humor, Murder, and Heart Collide

Read Time:5 Minute, 20 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
My Life is Murder – Series 4
TV-14 –

Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama, Mystery
Year Released: 2024, DVD 2025
Runtime: 8 x 45m episodes
Cast: Lucy Lawless, Ebony Vagulans, Joe Naufahu, Martin Henderson, Rawiri Jobe
Where to Watch: available June 30, 2025, from Acorn Media International

RAVING REVIEW: There’s something satisfying about watching a show that knows exactly what it wants to be. SERIES 4 of MY LIFE IS MURDER doesn’t try to reinvent itself—it doesn’t need to. Instead, it doubles down on its strongest assets: intelligent mysteries, warm characters, and the irresistible presence of Lucy Lawless as Alexa Crowe. But this time, it also finds something a little deeper. Beneath the humor and procedural structure, there’s a personal reckoning building in the background, and it gives the season just enough weight to elevate the experience without weighing it down.

By now, Alexa is a familiar figure—smart, sarcastic, and always five steps ahead of everyone in the room, even when pretending not to be. Lawless wears the role like a second skin, but rather than settling into routine, she uses that familiarity to explore new angles. She lets Alexa bend ever so slightly under the pressure of unresolved history this season. Her cool exterior shows a few cracks, and when one case veers uncomfortably close to her past, she finds herself pulled into the kind of territory that doesn’t come with a tidy wrap-up at the end of the hour.

That’s not to say the series has abandoned its light-hearted appeal. The cases remain just as delightfully odd as ever—deadly hair salons, sabotaged ballet productions, and suspicious stir fry all make appearances. But what keeps them engaging isn’t the shock factor. It’s the way the show leans into personality over plot. It’s fun without ever being a parody.

Alexa’s support system continues to evolve, and this season especially thrives on the growing rapport between her and Madison. Ebony Vagulans brings a sharper edge to the role, matching Lawless beat for beat. Their relationship isn’t static—it breathes, shifts, and occasionally erupts in moments of tension or affection that feel earned, not written for effect. Their dynamic grounds the show; in series 4, it becomes its most compelling throughline.

Joe Naufahu’s Reuben takes on more responsibility here, stepping into Alexa’s world with a laid-back confidence that offsets her tendency to bulldoze through a situation. Meanwhile, Martin Henderson’s Will challenges Alexa in the way only a sibling can, offering a mirror that reflects her strengths and blind spots. And Detective Harry, played with a remarkable steadiness by Rawiri Jobe, remains the reluctant ally who knows full well that Alexa’s going to follow her instincts—rules be damned.

For all its lightness, series 4 is the most emotionally resonant season yet. Alexa has always had the luxury of being right—even when she’s wrong, she figures it out before it matters. But when a case begins to echo the unresolved pieces of her past, she’s forced to ask harder questions. Not just about who did it, but about who she is, and what she’s been avoiding. It’s not heavy-handed, but it lingers. That subtle shift—from solving other people’s problems to reckoning with her own—gives the season its unexpected staying power.

If there’s one small drawback, the show occasionally rushes through an investigation to make room for character moments. A few cases feel thinner than usual, and their resolutions arrive too easily. But the trade-off—more depth, stakes, and emotional payoff—is worth it. This isn’t a show designed to shock. It’s a show that charms, even as it cuts a little deeper than expected.

MY LIFE IS MURDER continues to grow without shedding what made it appealing in the first place. The balance of heart and humor is still intact. Alexa is still sarcastic, blunt, and impossible not to root for. But now, her story feels more lived-in, her victories a little harder won.

By the final episode, there’s no grand reinvention—just a quiet acknowledgment that even the sharpest detectives aren’t immune to being caught off guard. Series 4 respects its audience enough to let certain questions linger. It’s not about wrapping every storyline in a bow; it’s about allowing characters to evolve, trusting that we’re here for the journey, not just the punchline.

With a fifth season already on the horizon, MY LIFE IS MURDER shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it’s finding its stride—this time with a stronger sense of purpose and an even better handle on its voice. It’s rare to see a crime drama grow more confident four seasons in, but this one has. And it’s doing it with style, soul, and just enough sass to remind you why it stood out in the first place.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.