By Cece Forrester I’ve never been to Memphis, but if the real city is anything like the one shown on Memphis Beat, I’d like to spend some time there. The most striking thing about this detective series, now in its second season on TNT, is how much candy it offers for both ear and eye. Viewers are treated to choice tracks of classic rockabilly, blues, soul, R&B, Motown, country, folk, or gospel in every episode. The visual quality is likewise amazing. The people of Memphis seem to live in a world with no clashing styles, dominated by vintage cars, neon-lit diners, scenic river views and homey neighborhood streets, all with a midcentury sensibility. Sepia-toned police squad rooms have ceiling fans to help everyone keep their cool, and Venetian blinds to filter out harshness. Interiors of houses are suffused with mellow, golden light, decorated in variations of comfortable kitsch and shabby chic reminiscent of visits to Grandma’s house. The women stand up for themselves, but they’re also queens of their kitchens who know what to do with a rolling pin and a skillet. Nonetheless, it’s clear that we are in the twenty-first century: cell phones, texting, and websites are as front-and-center
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