Okay, I gush about many TV shows. But, in my defence some of them are gush-worthy! I recently watched all of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and its spin-off in three days. That's huge news. Let me tell you why you should watch the show.
#1: Phryne Fisher
Phryne Fisher is the protagonist of the series which is based on the series of murder mysteries by Kerry Greenwood. Miss Fisher is one of the most kickass female leads I've seen on TV in recent times. It's even better because she's in 1920s Melbourne. She fights crime as well as the male-dominated society in impeccable fashion. A woman in her 30s who is neither interested in getting married nor having children still has quite a strong role on today's television. I am incredibly in love with the concept of her not toeing any of the societal norms of her time. It showcases a clever and complicated woman at the epicentre of the show which I enjoyed and so will you!
#2: Feminism
It's an immensely feminist show made by women for women about women's issues. Incredible right? The characterisation of Phryne is so very different from the popular - she's neither an unsophisticated, naive woman nor is she a mature woman in her dotage! Instead, this is a woman somewhere in her 30s who is unapologetic about her sexual liberation. The other female leads in the show are equally interesting characterisations who would fit quite well in the current day too. The males who are feminists too (DI Jack Robinson, for example) just make it all the more better, because it's a relevant arc. We do need men who are also feminists to ensure equal rights in our world.
#3: Flawless Costumes & Designs
As a person in the fashion realm, I look for the costumes in anything I watch. This show had the most perfect 1920's flapper and jazz-era outfits I've seen! I started watching the show because I was curious but I kept watching for the opulence of the clothes, hats, and set design. It's even more exciting when Phryne scales and breaks into the building because of how exquisitely dressed she is. Ever since watching the show I've wanted a dozen cloche hats, beaded dresses and all the other wonderful things that are part of her wardrobe.
#4: Chemistry
The sexual chemistry between Detective Inspector Jack Robinson and Phryne is one of the best things in the show. The 'will they or won't they' part of their flirtations is so very different from the 'wham, bam' that's so very popular in the instant gratification world we live in. The slow buildup keeps you involved and on the edge of your seat. How both these characters grow from their involvement with each other forms the sub-plot. Phryne's sexiness is one of the reasons you've got to watch the show! And her sassiness. Oooh, the banter between her and any character - especially Jack - is something I have replayed and might even use in my banter-less life.
#5: Perfect Drinking Buddies
I am of the firm belief that we all need a friend like Jack for nightcaps at the end of a hard day! Discussing cases and celebrating the closing of a case with a dear friend who arrives with a gift to share is something incredibly special. Right?
#6: Underlying Universal Relevance
Some of the issues discussed - abortions, drug rings, female sex workers, contraception, and LGBTQ issues - are still relevant. They form the linchpins of the episodes which take place in a post-war Melbourne. It gives the viewer insights into how things weren't any different for women in that period. There were similar problems that were faced then as now.
It's one of those shows that impressed me so much that I immediately started rewatching it after I finished the spin-off.
Go on now, give it a watch and let me know what you think!
Cheers!
Madhu x
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