People has unveiled the exclusive first look at Malcolm-Jamal Warner in what will be his final television performance. The beloved actor guest stars in season 2 of Murder in a Small Town, returning September 23.
Warner appears in the third episode, Mother Love, airing October 7. He plays Richard Buscombe, a protective father who becomes a lead suspect after his ex-wife is murdered shortly after returning to town. Still heartbroken years after their split, Richard’s anger and pain fuel his every move, but his only goal in life is to keep his daughter safe.
READ: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Emmy-Nominated Actor Dies at 54
Murder in a Small Town is based on the novels by L.R. Wright and follows police chief Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) as he investigates mysterious murders in a quiet coastal town with the help of local librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk).
Warner died in July at age 54 while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. His official cause of death was ruled as asphyxia due to submersion after being caught in a strong ocean current.
Weeks later, his mother, Pamela Warner, spoke publicly about his passing.
“Needless to say our hearts are heavy with the loss of Malcolm. He was a kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity,” she wrote. “Malcolm was an exceptional husband, father, and son — a man deeply in love with life, his wife, and his daughter.”
She continued, “Malcolm was birthed through water and he transitioned through water. He departed as he arrived, through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.”
Murder in a Small Town returns for season 2 on Tuesday, September 23 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Warner’s final performance will air October 7.
