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DanniOcean
Oct 23, 2013
If you missed this series on TVO you now have the chance to pick it up at Stratford Public Library. Based on the mystery novels by Kerry Greenwood, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries stars Essie Davis as Phryne (pronounced FRY-nee) Fisher, a 1920's "bright young thing" party-girl - on the surface. The writers of the television show have given Phryne a rather tragic back story which is lightly touched upon in the pilot "Cocaine Blues" and becomes the focus of the series during the last few episodes of the first season. Set in Melbourne, Australia (like the novels), the series is both glamorous - Phryne is the epitome of flapper fashion - but the series has a slight 'wild west' vibe; for instance one episode has Phryne riding the Ballarat train through the Australian outback, another has her going undercover at a frontier circus - not something one can imagine Miss Marple ever considering. Indeed, although these mysteries do not have the most complicated plots, they are not quite cozies, as from time to time they can be surprising in their goriness (the episode with live mummification comes to mind). Plus, Phryne Fisher is no lace-knitting wallflower - she carries a pistol, is not above using her feminine wiles to get information, and has a healthy sex-drive for a gal of the 1920's - something that shocks her very naive but adorably sweet maid-companion, Dot. The rest of the supporting cast is equally watchable - Dot (Ashleigh Cummings) manages to crack the shell of her strict-Catholic upbringing, the cute-as-a-button Hugh (Hugo Johnstone-Burt) starts to come into his own as a Constable, and the distinguished, unflappable DI Jack Robinson (Nathan Page) may even start to enjoy Phryne's prying by season's end. The word that immediately comes to mind to describe Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is "charming", and highly addictive. Season two is only on air now in Australia, so it will be awhile before North American audiences get a chance to glimpse it so my advice is to check out this DVD series but try not to gulp it back by watching it all the way through - savour it through the winter - if you can!
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Add a CommentI love this delightful period crime procedural with a smart leading lady. If you're a fashion buff, you could watch it for the gorgeous costumes alone. And if you're not a fan already, now's the perfect time to dive in because they've been hinting that a movie is in the works!
This series is a cutesy look at a fictitious sassy female detective in 1920's Melbourne. If you are looking for a spicy series, this one is not it. It is pure G rated viewing.
We love the series, began watching it on Knowledge network but missed the beginning of the series. Very interesting to learn about the challenges the people experienced during the 1920's. Love the period costumes!
We are quite enjoying this series - it's light, interesting & as stated by others, the outfits are fabulous - great ideas for anyone wanting to have a 'great 'gatsby party'.....
The australian 1920s version of a police procedural but a lot more fun and entertaining that its american counterparts. great characters, amazing costumes, and witty dialogue
Vulgar and offensive
This seemed super cool in the beginning but then became very repetitive and boring. Watch it if you like the look of the 1920's and following a courageous lady detective. Otherwise, the mystery solving is an after thought.
Very good indeed. Period mysteries done by a very accomplished cast and grew.
Continues the high standards of Aussie serials lately.
Sometimes you want a mystery that makes you an active participant in trying to unravel the case. Sometimes you want one that entertains with engaging dialogue, stunning sets and costumes, good pacing, and an engaging storyline. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries fall into the latter category and definitely satisfy.
A great show for when you want to escape the modern day-to-day world for the swinging 1920s. That it's set in Australia is a bonus.
The best show ever!!! Totally watch it...you won't be disappointed!!!