Just when we thought Law & Order, CSI and NCIS would suffocate our souls, the delectable Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries has come along to show us how a real crime show should look. With the charm of Perry Mason, the nous of Jessica Fletcher and the skills of MacGyver, Essie Davis is purely delicious as the 1920’s Melbourne sleuth Miss Phryne Fisher.
Based on the books by Kerry Greenwood and written by Deb Cox, the first episode of the new ABC mystery is quite risqué with abortions, gunfights, poisoning, prostitution, cocaine and a naughty sex scene. The usual ABC audience may get a bit of fright. The action and drama is consistent throughout and keeps the audience guessing all the way to the end. With appearances from Miranda Otto, Travis McMahon, Tammy McIntosh, Maria Mercedes and the wonderful Miriam Margolyes as the upper class Aunt Prudence who, rightly, gets all the best lines and delivers them with perfect timing and charm.
The main storyline is just for fun and is a visual delight for the viewer but it is the underlying story strand regarding Phryne’s murdered younger sister that will keep viewers glued to the screen for many episodes to come. The tale of a poisoned man, a sexy dancer, a backyard abortion, drug dealing and side street shoot out all link together well and form an entertaining and fast paced story. Miss Fisher pulls out all the stops and will leave the viewer wanting more.
It must be noted that the beautiful costumes are by Marion Boyce who has captured the era to absolute perfection. With a knife in her suspenders, a gun in her handbag and a sharp tongue Miss Fisher will be sure to steal the Friday night line up and perhaps win a younger crowd over for the ABC.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is an Every Cloud Production and will screen Friday nights at 8.30pm on ABC.
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