5 reasons to watch Miss Fisher’s murder mysteries

Based in 1920s Australia, Miss Fisher’s murder mysteries is a popular series (as I discovered on reading the reviews) currently available for viewing on Netflix. In the series, the lead character – Phryne Fisher – along with her assistant, Dot and two policemen solves murders episode after episode. Based on novels by the same name, this is a well brought out crime drama that is engrossing enough as it is, but Miss Fisher is so much more than that. 

Here are 5 reasons you should check out the series, now:

#1. A brilliantly written lead character: Phryne Fisher is not your typically serious detective, nor is she a wall flower. Hers is possibly one of the most flamboyant characters on screen, with an unmatched independence for female characters. Fisher is a wealthy single woman, who is mature enough in age, but has only become wiser and more attractive for it. She is constantly driven to solve murder mysteries, often only because she seems to have a flair for it. She is a dare devil, and always has a trick up her sleeve. Added to this is the fact, that she is almost never intimidated!

#2. Subtle highlighting of women’s issues: As a woman out and about on her own, especially in a business that requires you to get into uncomfortable spaces in people’s lives, Fisher deals with her fair share of patriarchal walls. It is not the most dominant theme, in fact in most episodes we don’t even encounter it, but whenever it arises, Fisher almost always gives it back with a punch. She is super liberal about others’ choices as well, and expects the same for herself. This is especially so, since she has an occasionally in-the-face sexuality, and she makes absolutely no bones about it.

#3. The aesthetics are top notch: It you are a sucker for good aesthetics, like me, there is no way you won’t enjoy Fisher’s sartorial sensibilities and the scenes set in her house, which is a piece of art. Fisher’s fashion choices might sometimes be over the top, but they are almost always glamorous and stylish. Her house, like her clothes, has the whole 1920s vibe that comes through in all productions about that time. From the cut glasses, to the deep blue walls, the dominant fireplace with the art objects, the interiors are worth more than one look.

#4. Its running side-stories are most entertaining: The key characters in the story have very interesting relationships going. The most entertaining of them is Fisher’s own equation with police officer Jack Robinson; with whom she shares an ongoing undercurrent of mutual attraction that neither quite addresses. She is far more forward than him, which plays well off against bashful reticence. It offers an amusing side story, even if it’s a clichéd one. Constable Hugh Collins’ and Dot’s romance is another ongoing side story, which is also quite sweet.

#5. It’s highly watchable, if forgettable: The mysteries by themselves are dealt with swiftly enough and don’t ever become heavy duty crime thrillers. The grisly side of things is kept to the bare minimum with the focus squarely on Fisher and how she solves the crime along with her entourage. That makes for watchable fare, even if you won’t remember many of the episodes later.

Fem Thoughts: There is little to be added by way of Fem thoughts to a show about an almost super human detective lady. Except maybe, keep kicking ass!