More than any other Hallmark mystery series I have watched, I believe Ruby Herring Mysteries has improved dramatically, writing-wise as it went along. Assuming the same actors and the same writers, I would not mind at all another batch of these mysteries from Hallmark.
What has improved the most is the depiction of Ruby Herring as a reporter interviewing "people of interest". In the first episode, Silent Witness, Ruby seemed almost amateurish interviewing possible suspects in her role as sleuth. The interviewees were defensive and even confrontational. This seemed odd given Ruby's supposed history with interviewing people as a television news reporter.
The producers must have hired some reporter writers with television experience, because this aspect of the show has improved dramatically.
Along with being an attractive and personable woman, Ruby, as a television personality, would be "catnip" for most of the people she wanted to interview.
Not just because everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame. But because, as a "News you can Use" television consumer reporter, Ruby would have garnered respect and admiration even more than your average reporter. The writers seemed to finally get this, and made her interviews of suspects and witnesses much less contentious than in the earlier episode.
On the negative side, the writers create too many coincidences where Jake shows up to save Ruby from possible danger. The writers try to show this as Jake looking to keep Ruby safe. But it was more creepy than sweet. Other Hallmark shows do a much better job with this dynamic.
The introduction of Ruby's ex, Luke Baldwin, was, I suppose, meant to introduce a possible romantic triangle. But the writers sabotage that possibility almost every chance they get, leaving us the question why introduce this character to begin with.
Despite these criticisms, I liked the episode quite a bit.
The mystery itself was good. Being a cold case, it was believably unraveled clue by clue--with Ruby believably often leading Jake with the discoveries.
The personal chemistry between Ruby and Jake is well played by Taylor Cole and Stephen Huszar. Ruby and Jake's working relationship was interesting with some believable sexual tension developing.
It was particularly enjoyable and fun to watch Ruby teasing and teaching Jake how to improve his golf swing. And Jake's "appreciation" of the attention Ruby was giving him was also well played by Stephen Huszar.
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